Home: Los Angeles, CA. Birthplace: Hollywood, CA. Organization: Montebello High School. Title: Math Teacher and Department Chair. Significant other: My girlfriend of two and a half years. Alma mater: University of Southern California (B.S., Biological Sciences); National University (M.S., Educational Administration). Languages spoken: English, Gujarati and some Spanish.
Current project: A five-year investment plan. The goal is to buy a fancy sports car with my earnings. Recent recognition: Very well-liked by students and was mentioned in every graduation speech. Recent professional development: Proposed and started teaching a Business Financial Stats class, two periods each day. Latest accomplishment: Led the Math Department in improving student growth (performance on standardized tests). Included students identified as English learners and students with disabilities. Latest contribution to others: Volunteered personal time to tutor students. Provided monetary assistance to students (and others) in need. Hobbies: Watching sports at all levels (professional, college, high school) and investing in financial markets. Recent travel or adventure: Houston, TX, to visit my Dad. Santa Cruz, CA, with my girlfriend.
Personality profile: Crave structure and routine. Dedicated to the people I love. Introverted, but I like to chat and share stories. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Dependable. How do you define a perfect friendship? Minimal-to-no conflict. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Trust; Gentlemen’s Agreement; reliant on the honor of each party. What is your greatest joy? Watching my niece and nephews grow and thrive. Also, getting a great deal. What is your greatest fear? Being separated from the people I love. What is your guilty pleasure? Freshly baked cookies and coconut cake. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? A good travel partner. Interesting things to see.
What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Card games. I collected decks of cards from airlines (when we went on trips). Binoculars, which I used to watch the planes fly overhead. Monopoly. What movie have you repeatedly watched? A Few Good Men. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My sister and brother. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Focus on the things that you can control; don’t worry about the things that are outside of your control. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Distinguish yourself by working hard. Be strategic with opportunities. Give back to others and pay it forward. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Mobile phones. What is your favorite app? Robinhood.
What is your big idea?
Using data and statistics to identify trends and predict outcomes (applicable to investing, sports, and student performance).
What change would you like to see in the world? No suffering. What message do you want to send out into the world? Success is a choice; the results you achieve will be in direct proportion to the effort you apply. What widely held belief do you reject? That student grades can be assigned in a subjective manner.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Benjamin Franklin. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A commercial airline pilot. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Brown binders filled with his keepsakes: cards, pictures, notes, copies of student college acceptance letters. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Spending time with the people I love.
Personal mission: Helping people achieve their true potential. Personal motto: “Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character” (William Arthur Ward). Favorite quote: “Winning is what happens when commitment, desire, talent, preparation, hard work, and leadership all come together” (Tom Coughlin). Desired epitaph: Led a life of sacrifice and service. Lived with intention and purpose. Left a legacy of love, kindness, and wisdom. Made a lasting impact on others that will echo through eternity.
