Dooley Noted: 5/25/2015
The Person:
Lee Ditsworth
Profession:
structured cable engineer
How I know him:
Fifteen years ago, Lee worked in a kiosk across from me in a mall in Champaign, IL. We quickly became friends as he shot rubber bands at me to get my attention!
While taking college physics as a prerequisite, I failed my first test. I cried in a corner for three days straight.
Then, my friend Lee offered to tutor me in physics, since he was an astrophysics major.
I studied physics six hours a day, often studying in the bar or on the floor as my friends played games around me.
I aced physics with Lee’s help, as he catapulted me towards a career I adore.
How he’s changed me:
Lee still takes no credit for helping me, often joking that he watched me do my homework as he watched movies.
His teaching technique was one of guidance, not of lecturing. He let me do the work, making sure I didn’t deviate too much from a successful path to problem solving.
Lee has shaped the way I teach, and the experience of dominating past failure has made me feel I can do anything in life.
I can’t thank him enough.
It was an honor to show Lee that I use physics every day. In this photo, I show Lee how to apply physics to tear playing cards.
His responses to a list of questions:
Book that changed you:
Brief History of Time, Stephen Hawking
Best website:
Facebook
Biggest mentor:
Dr Charles Gammie, University of Illinois
Secret to success:
Hard work & motivation
Secret to happiness:
It’s all about your attitude.
Secret to fitness:
i’m the wrong person to ask!
Secret to wealth:
Money isn’t everything. Do what you love, and you’ll get what you need.
Best advice you’ve been given:
Define your goals so you have a clear path to achieve them.
Your acronyms: BS, RCDD
Know and acknowledge the people that change you.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley
