The Mentor Who Transformed My Learning Journey
The Mentor Who Transformed My Learning Journey
A Reflection on Alier Reng
By Biar D’Chol Biar • 4 min read
A Teacher Born in Adversity
Many people cross our paths, but only a few shape our lives so deeply that their influence becomes part of who we are. For me, one of those rare individuals is Alier Reng — a teacher, mentor, and guide whose work continues to redefine what education can mean.
I first met Alier years ago in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, a place where learning required persistence, hope, and community. Even then, he stood out — not only for his intellect but for his generosity. While most students were trying to keep up, Alier was already teaching others. He spent hours helping peers understand mathematics and English, even mastering Swahili with remarkable ease despite never attending a formal Kenyan school.
That spirit of learning through service would become the foundation of his teaching philosophy.
From Refugee Camp to R Programming Mentor
Years later, during my Master’s in Information Technology (2022), I encountered R programming and data visualization — subjects that can intimidate even the most determined learners. Once again, Alier was there, this time as an experienced guide. His deep knowledge of R, Python, statistics, and mathematics made complex topics approachable, and his passion for helping others turned what could have been a struggle into genuine curiosity.
He doesn’t just teach code; he teaches context. Through real-world datasets — from public health records to South Sudan census data — he demonstrates how numbers tell stories about people, progress, and possibility.
Teaching That Builds Confidence
Alier’s classes are refreshingly student-centered and practical. He breaks down problems into logical steps, often weaving in analogies or short stories that make abstract ideas come alive. In mathematics, he encourages understanding over memorization. In statistics, he emphasizes interpretation over computation, ensuring students grasp not just how to calculate, but why it matters.
His Zoom sessions are dynamic and interactive. He answers every question with patience, fosters respectful dialogue, and creates an inclusive atmosphere where no one feels left behind. Learning under him feels like a shared exploration — not a lecture.
Education as a Calling
What sets Alier apart is his unwavering heart for service. He treats teaching as a lifelong mission — one rooted in empathy, humility, and vision. He finds joy in helping others succeed and approaches each student with the same care, regardless of background or ability.
His mentorship extends beyond technical skills. He teaches discipline, curiosity, and compassion — the true marks of an educator who believes knowledge is not power until it is shared.
The Legacy of Lifting Others
To me, Alier Reng is more than an instructor. He is a mentor, a role model, and a living embodiment of what PyStatR+ stands for: “Learning Simplified. Communication Amplified.”
If you ever have the opportunity to learn from him — whether in data science, mathematics, or the philosophy of education itself — you’ll discover not just a teacher but a force for transformation. His mentorship has carried me farther than I could have imagined, and I remain deeply grateful.
“He is one of those rare individuals who finds joy in helping others succeed.”
— Biar D’Chol Biar
Editor’s Note
This testimonial inaugurates the PyStatR+ blog as a testament to our core belief: that education rooted in service transforms not just minds, but lives. It reminds us that the best teachers don’t just transfer knowledge — they ignite possibility.
Knowledge is freedom. And freedom, when shared, becomes liberation for all.