John Lorenzo Yambot (but you can call him Enzo) is very passionate about teaching statistics, especially to younger people. When he was starting his career, many of his relatives and friends wondered why he had chosen a career in statistics for many of them felt stressed out by the idea of doing statistics problems all day long. Well, believe it or not, it is because he actually enjoyed his high school statistics subject. That certain experience is where he draws his inspiration in teaching and performing statistics. Enzo believes that if more people and students would be able to enjoy and appreciate statistics, then many would decide to pursue a career in or related to stats.
Do you have any skills or talents that people don’t know about?
I can cook! I always look forward to the Holidays because I get to prepare Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinner for my family.
Who is someone you admire?
It is my mother, who is also a teacher, who I admire the most. Despite losing her due to breast cancer last 2007, her legacy still lives with us, particularly with her former students. I remember how hard it was for her to give up her teaching career because of her health condition. My mother’s dedication and selflessness are the values that I carry on in my personal and professional life.
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be…
Teleportation. I spent the last 10 years of my life traveling almost every week and I have always daydreamed that I can teleport to new places.
What is your most significant accomplishment as a professional?
It was when I was awarded as one of the University’s Outstanding Teachers. I treat this award as a gift to my family for their endless support. It also motivated me to inspire more future statisticians and data analysts.