1. How did you feel about math when you were in school?

I never particularly liked math, but it was okay in grade school. Later, in high school when it became difficult to understand, I really began to dislike it.

2. How do you feel about it now?

It is still difficult to understand, but I have managed to learn some tricks to remembering things for my job. Definately, the more you USE it, the easier it stays with you.

3. What is your job title/description?

My title is a secretary. I do the Accts. Receivables for the company. I send out billing and receive payments, I receive jobs into the shop answer phones, inventory for all the shop materials, run errands, and pick up and drop off parts.

4. How do you use technology in your job?

We use computers for accounting, printers for invoicing, and we also have a fax machine for receiving purchase ordes and drawings for jobs. We use a credit/debit machine, and two of our machines are computerized. We have a computerized Lathe where you enter the dimensions to the part into the program and it cuts the part out of steel exactly to size. We also have a Computerized Milling Center, where you do sort of the same thing and you can make many parts in a row or "run". It cuts down on production time tremendously!

5. How do you use math in your job?

We use math daily in figuring size of materials used, in making precision parts exactly as requested. We measure O.D.'s, I.D.'s, length, and square footage to figure out how much to charge for materials used. We use math for accounting. We maintain all customer accts. with the computer, but have to have written accts. for double checking purposes. I also use math to do the inventory.

6. What kind of math do you use?

We use addition, subtraction, division, geometry, fractions, multiplication, and percentages. I'm sure the guys in the shop use all kinds of math I know nothing about.

7. Did you have to go to college to get this job?

No, I didnt attend college for this job, only because this is a family owned business and they were nice enough to teach me the stuff I need to know. The other person in my office took many years of college and schooling to be an accountant/book keeper. She is still teaching me things. It takes much longer to learn this way. She does all the real difficult book keeping.


8. What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have?

My interests include drawing, painting with oils, photography, crafts, reading, and listening to music.

9. What kinds of things do you like to do?

I do all of the above whenever I can. I also like to bike ride(when the weather is good-and in Oregon...thats not often!). I like to go shopping with my daughter. We have lots of fun together! We go for "aimless" car rides in our new jeep sometimes and just talk, and laugh, and listen to music-all at once!!

10. Is there anything else that you would like to tell us?

Math is essential in my job and especially to the guys in the shop in order to be able to make parts EXACTLY as needed to fit the purpose they are needed for. It's cool to think how many things it is needed for EVERY DAY. I just wish I understood it BETTER sometimes!