Classics major, New York University

Hiram R.

I graduated from New York University with a major in Classics: Latin and Classical Greek. Both languages require a comprehensive study of English grammar and vocabulary as well as the complex grammars and vocabularies of these two individual, ancient languages. I also hold a law degree (Juris Doctor, retired from practice in 2009) and a Masters of Science in Information Technology.

Completing a law degree requires developing both persuasive and expository writing skills, focusing on legal briefs and related documents that put forward and argue positions and propositions. This is the foundation to writing successful research papers, and both examining and assessing primary sources. It also teaches following the controlling style books.

For over 39 years I have written, reviewed and edited technical maintenance and repair manuals for helicopters, light and heavy machinery, and electrical, electronic and avionics equipment. Technical writing consists of researching engineering documents and translating their contents into instructions and procedures for the maintainer and user. Technical writing demands exacting adherence to the details in source documents, and requires following rigid military and civilian specifications.

As a technical writer I have taught and trained countless coworkers to read and understand the many variations of engineering documents and to extract the information required for the publications. Beyond teaching the use of engineering documents, I have taught reading and understanding specifications, computer use instructions, customer requirements, and related support documents.