Though it was not planned, the conclusion of my first post about why I am blogging serves as a strong segue into this post on what I plan to blog about. In summary, my first post ended with me voicing a deep concern with the business model of social media companies and how users’ own vanities encourage them to relinquish their rights to their own data. Their data being, perhaps, the most valuable thing a user can offer.

Which brings me to what I would like my blog’s focus to be: data, its practical interpretation, and its analysis.

Towards the end of my previous post, I alluded to data analytics and Operations Research as an interest of mine. And then subsequently, I alluded to my own journey as an analyst. It was a slightly modest understatement. I am highly interested in mathematics and its applications to real world problems.

In a future post, I plan to introduce myself and share my background and passions. However, with relevance to what I want this blog to be about in analytics and data, let us start with me and a synopsis of my journey with and through mathematics.

Early in my elementary schooling I can recall playing “Around the World” in class with mathematics problems on flash cards. I am not sure if I had a ton of natural affinity for addition and subtraction. However, it was an activity where with iterative practice you could improve. And I think I was always competitive. When the game was who can add and subtract the fastest, I wanted to add and subtract the fastest.

I think early success in these types of math games fostered a young enthusiasm in me. As I proceeded in my education and matured, it was easy to continue to pursue the most advanced math courses available. Similarly, I began to garner enthusiasm for what I would consider many elegances in mathematics. To me it remains a world with clearly defined rules, yet infinite solutions. Which is beautiful.

Upon reaching college, I thought I wanted to be an Electrical Engineer. To an extent, this would support my enthusiasm for mathematics, with a couple of bonuses. Namely: introductory programming courses (coding is extremely useful) and a connection to physical design and building things (one of the coolest things to do in general). Nevertheless, when the Operations Research degree path was completing its presentations to freshmen, I remember thinking it was a particularly cool option.

And in short, I ended up earning my bachelor’s degree in Operations Research and Computer Analysis in 2013. From there, I began online classes through then University of Maryland University College in the Spring of 2016 to earn an MS in Data Analytics by Summer 2018. And in the Fall of 2018 semester, I began classes full-time at George Mason University to earn an MS in Operations Research by 2020.

In early 2020, I began my work as an analyst professionally. In a later post when I get to introduce myself, I would like to give you a better idea of my job and what type of work I was doing. However, I think we can acknowledge 2020 brought unique challenges for everyone. And as an analyst, new data and important questions were arising for my organization. To say the least, my position offered me enormous opportunities for growth as an analyst in 2020. And those opportunities are still present and continue to expand. I just need to remain open and accept things I may not be “required” to do in my typical duties. Ultimately, I would like this blog to document and explore those past, present and future opportunities for my personal growth as an analyst. I would love to interact with other individuals who are passionate about data! I would be tickled if I could help anybody. And I am completely open to any pointers or suggestions that would enable my personal growth. If you are interested, please join me on this journey.

These views are mine and should not be construed as the views of the U.S. Coast Guard.