While the question does not have the history or significance of "Who is John Galt?", the question "Who is John Steely?" is important to me.
We are, all of us, multi-faceted creatures. We inhabit several roles, from family member to worker to friend to soul. Yet, in any given situation, certain facets are more significant than others. So while I am very attached to my roles as father and grandfather, reader and writer, Taoist and mathematician, within the context of this site my most significant facet is being a teacher.
I have always wanted to be a teacher, as far back as I can remember. My studies and hobbies all supported that goal of being a teacher, particularly being a math teacher. I love explaining concepts to others and seeing the light of understanding grow and blossom. Helping others by finding and removing points of confusion has been a joy and a blessing for over 50 years. Down to the very core of my being, I am a teacher.
I have taught mathematics, computer programming, economics, databases, leadership skills, client-server design, personal finances, problem solving, and much more. I have taught at universities, high schools, corporate training centers, online, and proprietary schools, among others. I have taught military personnel, Boy Scouts, elementary students, college students,
high school students, parents, adult students, and more. And in all my teaching, I have had the satisfaction of seeing people understand what they previously did not.
However, over the years I have had a growing element of dissatisfaction. My dissatisfaction is not with the teaching, nor with the students, but with me. I felt the need to reach a wider audience than just the students I see in front of me. The fact is there are more people out there than I can physically meet. This is where this site comes in.
I may never personally meet you (although I hope I do). I may never see you in person, but I feel I can help you, just as I have helped thousands of students over the years. I feel that I can provide you with information, guidance, and suggestions even though we may never meet.
I know we make the world better one person at a time, and I hope to make the world better by helping you with your problems, concerns, and issues. I will work to earn your trust, and if I am successful, I will gladly provide access to what I have learned over the years.
One of the actions that helps someone become successful is the creation of a personal mission statement. So let me finish this
with my mission statement:
I endeavour to provide as much guidance as I can to as many as I can so they can reach their personal idea of success.
