Salah Abed:  I started learning Japanese when I was 14. I went to Western Washington University where I got a B.S. in math with a minor in Japanese (I got an M.S. there too). I hit Japanese hard during the pandemic because there was a lot of Japanese media that I’d always wanted to learn more about and I realized there was nothing stopping me! I started learning Japanese again because Toshio Taki (one of our smartest alumni) wrote me a graduation card (which I still have) basically saying that if I kept at it, I’d speak good Japanese someday. I’ll never forget how he ended it:

「塵も積もれば、山となる！」

Chiri mo tsumoreba, yama to naru!

“Even dust piles up to make a mountain!”

[Summary of event]

When I was a student up to calculus, I thought math was all just mindlessly plugging numbers into formulas. Then I took linear algebra at WWU with Millie Johnson, who (alongside her husband) is a legend there! That class mopped the floor with me. I almost washed out! But at the same time, it also changed everything about how I view mathematics.

I view high-level mathematics more like a Metroidvania game. You start exploring a tiny area with very little power. As you acquire more powers, you can go to more places, do more things, solve bigger problems. The more you learn, the more you outgrow your fear of any problems in your life, even the non-mathematical ones!

I started reading about math in Japanese about a year and a half ago. I was growing frustrated with the hidebound methods and materials I was stuck with. I’d always wanted to learn how Japanese education differed from the United States. That was another moment where I thought to myself, “I’ve studied Japanese on and off for over half my life. There’ s nothing stopping me!” So I started reading books aimed at high school students and adults trying to relearn high school mathematics.

What I love about the entrance exam and wasan problems that I’ve been doing is that they bring that Metroidvania mentality to pre-calculus. When mathematics is all just rote computation, I find that as boring as my students. I want them to see mathematics more like a set of tools that can take away the fear of any problems in their life. Because problem solving, at its core, is a simple matter of knowing what you have, knowing what you want, and knowing how to connect the one to the other!

What is the Passion Project Showcase? 
Big Bend started a quarterly event in Winter 2021 to feature the works of wonder that inspire members of our school community. 
 
Why have a Passion Project Showcase? 
At Big Bend, we are fortunate enough to be surrounded by talented and awesome people. Our school is full of faculty, administrators, staff, and students who are experts in a wide variety of areas. Their work is driven by excitement and curiosity, and we want to celebrate these love labors.

William C. Bonaudi Library, Proud Sponsor of the Passion Project Showcase

Passion Project Showcase Committee:

Sara Thompson Tweedy, President
Tiffany Fondren, Communications Coordinator
Juan Herrera, ASB Public Relations
Lindsay Groce, Chemistry Senior Associate Professor
Alex Lopez, Library Program Assistant 
Rhonda Kitchens, Librarian Associate Professor

Past Events & About

Winter 2021
Dr. Alison Palumbo

Spring 2021
Dr. Jim Hamm

Fall 2021
Dr. Dennis Knepp

Winter 2022
Rie Palkovic

Spring 2022
Dr. John Owens

Fall 2022
Ricardo Ruiz

Winter 2023
No Event

Spring 2023
CEIDS & Passion Project's 
Sameness Diversity Event 

Fall 2023
Lindsay Groce

Winter 2024
Tyler Wallace 

Spring 2024
ASB, CEID, & Passion Project
Sameness in Diversity II

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日本の数学
MATHEMATICS OF JAPAN
SALAH ABED, MATH ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

NOVEMBER 7, 2024.
5:30-7:00PM
MASTO CONFERENCE ROOM C/D

5:30 pm: Reception with Japanese Snacks & Tea;
Table Origami, Vintage Japanese Exhibition, Conversation
6:00-7:00 pm: Salah Abed’s Presentation
Free. 
 

@William C. Bonaudi Library 
Maneki-neko (Lucky Cat) Book Display

Designed by Freepik.

Fold 1,000 Cranes for Salah Before the Event!  Materials and instructions in the ASB Vikings Lounge and the Library.

Posters for the Event

Need more information?  Contact.