Inspiration

I must admit, that writing on Aya's retirement is a bit strange, as I can't imagine her retiring from any of her activities.

I was fortunate to be Aya's first Ph.D. student, after being her teaching assistant in various courses for some years. In those years and those forthcoming, Aya became my official mentor and my unofficial second Mom.
I was (and still) deeply inspired by her knowledge in Statistics and the way she uses it in applying clear and neat solutions to complex real-world problems. Even nowadays, when I struggle with some statistical problem, I often ask myself, how will Aya tackle it? Will my solution or presentation comply with her way of thinking and unwritten standards?

As I was attendant in most of her courses, I was fascinated by the way Aya inspired her young students – mission, which is sometimes impossible nowadays, especially in teaching introductory Statistics. Aya's serious attitude towards teaching and warm concern for her students awarded her for excellence by her own students, year by year. As her assistant, I recall myself being very proud of her success.

Finally, I must mention Aya's baking specialty of which I miss a lot: the amazing fruit cake, which became a worldwide trademark...

Meir Rom