Year in Review in the Statistics Office

By Melody Pietsch

I introduced myself to you in the last newsletter, and now that I have been in the Statistics Department for a full academic year, I can elaborate on my first year

The Statistics Department is seriously the best place I have worked on the Cal Poly campus. It offers not just a job, but more of a sense of family and friendship than anywhere else. Observing the faculty collaboration has been a delightful experience.  Everyone takes an interest in each other not only professionally but personally as well.  Each person enjoys what he or she does and that is infectious to the students.  The students bring an energy, strength, and positive drive to the department.  Couple that with faculty who enjoy what they do, like teaching, and spending time with the students and you have a cohesive team that works and plays together very well.

Stat Club has been very busy this year and I have had the privilege of getting to know the officers. They have inventive ideas for events and planned "Shack Nights" each quarter for the faculty, staff and students to socialize together.  I look forward to the coming year to get to know the new officers and anticipate an active, exciting year in the department.

Oh yes, there has been the administrative coordinating tasks to do, which keeps me very busy.  However, even the mundane daily tasks take on a new dimension when coworkers are so appreciative of any assistance.  Not only do I like the work I do, but the office itself has a nice view.  While sitting at my computer one day, out of the corner of my eye I saw something move and turned around and was staring into the face of a wild turkey!  I had never been up close and personal with a turkey - Daily surprises are a norm.

I am so thankful to be working in the Statistics Department and look forward to the coming year to meet new students, get to know current students, and face the many challenges that come with work in academia.