Former NFL player Urschel sells virtue of math to youngsters

John Urschel has found that a master’s degree in mathematics, his stature as an accomplished author and his pending doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology isn’t necessarily enough to sell young students on the benefit of crunching numbers. “Often, a mathematician is too abstract for young people.” Urschel recently drew 700 participants worldwide for an event staged by the National Museum of Mathematics called Bending the Arc. “Math for its own sake is a pretty reasonable pursuit because no matter what field you go into, you really need to able to think reasonably to some degree.” His vast education and independent study of mathematic equations enable Urschel to speak expertly about calculation and intuitive thinking. “He’s very passionate about the museum and encouraging people of all backgrounds to engage in mathematics and consider a career in math,” Lawrence said. “And by the end of John’s 10-minute talk, he had them convinced they all wanted to go to school to study math.” ___ “One Good Thing” is a series that highlights individuals whose actions provide glimmers of joy in hard times — stories of people who find a way to make a difference, no matter how small.