Spiritual revival

What’s a topic or issue about which you’ve changed your mind?

A significant shift in my beliefs pertains to the existence of a Supreme Being. For many years, I identified as an agnostic, uncertain about the existence of God. However, after extensive study and reflection, I am now convinced of a divine presence responsible for the creation of this magnificent universe, Earth, and humanity.

Tell us about a time when you felt out of place.

I felt out of place while visiting a Buddhist temple, as I was unfamiliar with the prayer practices and felt like an outsider and intruder. I discovered that our worship practices are set by cultural norms and traditions , and although the ultimate purpose is the same the form is different

Your life without a computer: what does it look like?

During my high school and college years, I lacked a computer, making tasks arduous. I relied on the slide rule, logarithm tables, desk calculators, and manually typed papers. Research meant hours sifting through card files and skimming countless books. Before the advent of personal computers, seeking information meant scouring encyclopedias and dictionaries. Please don’t mention the ‘good old days’ without technology; they truly weren’t.

What skill would you like to learn?

I like to improve my meditation skills and like any other skill, meditation requires patience and repetition to cultivate. I like to be able to enter a calm, focused mental state to. understand my relationship with the Divine power

As a skill, meditation needs to be practiced systematically, thus I try to set a regular daily meditation routine that allows the mind and body to adapt.

What details of your life could you pay more attention to?

I strive to maintain a balance between my responsibilities as an economics professor and my personal activities, which include playing pickleball, enjoying leisurely reads, watching sports and historical series on TV, and exploring my relationship with the Divine through learning and prayer. I often wish I could dedicate even more time to understanding this spiritual connection.

What’s your #1 priority tomorrow?

My priority each day is to embrace life with a positive outlook, expressing gratitude to the Divine for granting me another day on this beautiful earth, and cherishing the blessings of a caring family and steadfast friends.

In what ways does hard work make you feel fulfilled?

Hard work brings me fulfillment, deriving from the satisfaction of accomplishing goals and the deep-seated pride of duty. However, its true value is realized only when it doesn’t hinder my spiritual growth or my connection with the Divine.

What’s the trait you value most about yourself?

There are many traits I value and aim to develop, but three stand out as most worthy of focus: empathy, resilience, and gratitude.

Empathy is the cornerstone. Making the effort to deeply understand others’ perspectives forges bonds of compassion that overcome life’s inevitable conflicts. I strive to walk in others’ shoes, knowing we all wish to love and be loved.

Resilience gives me the grit to turn obstacles into opportunities. With resilience, failures become lessons and setbacks the chance to grow stronger. When knocked down, I focus on getting up wiser.

Gratitude to the Divine keeps all in perspective, reminding me to appreciate the gift of simply being. I’m thankful for family, friends, and faith. For nature’s majesty and the profound mysteries of the universe. Each day is a blessing bestowed on me by the Divine maker

List three jobs you’d consider pursuing if money didn’t matter.

PT-4

I have been fortunate to have wonderful jobs throughout my life. My choices were not driven by money, but by my education, past experiences, and passion. Among the roles I’ve cherished are university teaching, consulting, and research in economic development. While work has been a means to support my family, it has also been a way for me to fulfill my dreams and ambitions

What aspects of your cultural heritage are you most proud of or interested in?

I’m fortunate to have been shaped by a blend of incredible cultures. Born in Bolivia, my heritage spans centuries, from the ancient Aymaras who exemplified stoic perseverance to the proud Incas and devout Spanish ancestors who built on their foundations. Though generations have passed, their collective spirit runs through me.

Yet from an early age, I crossed borders – first only figuratively, by reading voraciously about distant lands. Then literally, as I pursued my higher education and career in the United States. Immersing myself in this new culture opened my eyes to fresh perspectives.

Now I proudly embrace the best of both worlds. My multicultural upbringing gifted me resilience, adaptability, wisdom, and purpose. I have one foot firmly planted in my cultural history, giving me a sense of identity. The other rests in a land of opportunity, allowing me to walk forward.