Well, not so much “me” as my handwriting. Of course there are deep posts to be had on how the study and practice of mathematics changes one’s approach to all manner of life situations, but the most visible (literally) of the changes it made to me is how it altered my handwriting. Or, more accurately, how I altered my handwriting to meet my perceived needs.

My 2 developing from a typewritten style to one with a loop at the bottom left may have preceded mathematics. I just like the look. However, it probably would have happened eventually anyway – I cross my Zs for good measure, so they are decidedly not 2s.

I also cross my 7s, and in many cases (though not typically when it is part of a longer number) I give my 1 a top hook and a bottom bar. My lowercase i and t curve up at the bottom right, and my lowercase x has a hook at the upper left.

I’ve been out of mathematics for nearly two and a half years now, but those handwriting changes show no sign of fading: an odd little calling card left by my former vocation.