40 Under 40: Jonathan Shina ’00, ’02MEd

Being given the opportunity and the privilege of educating young people. Teachers are given the awesome responsibility of helping to unlock the minds that will shape the world of tomorrow—a responsibility of which I work hard to never lose sight.

Dr. Ned Wolff, professor of Mathematics, was my academic adviser as a freshman. He successfully steered me through my undergraduate years, helped me gain a foothold in the corporate world, and brought me back to Arcadia to teach. He continues to offer up wisdom, based on a lifetime of sterling accomplishments and meaningful educational experiences, whenever I most need it. Over the 20 years I’ve known him, Dr. Wolff has had the patience of a saint and has always been exceedingly generous with his time—not just with me, but with everyone—despite the many pressures and demands of teaching, advising, and publishing placed upon him. Thank you, Ned! I would be remiss if I didn’t also acknowledge Mathematics Professor Dr. Louis Friedler, who repeatedly urged me to shift my focus away from the actuarial field toward the teaching profession instead. So, thank you, too, Louis!