I can recall a childhood moment back in North Carolina. I was in the 5th or 6th grade. I was very excited to be taking an advanced computer class. It was the 1st day of class and the teacher informed us that there would be an upcoming assignment that day. I was eager to find out what the assignment would be.
The teacher asked everyone in the class to write a simple program using the BASIC programming language that would animate an object to move across the page. How do you make an object move across the page? I wondered. This is going to be one long day. 🙁
I started to hear little fingers typing. I looked around the classroom at the other students and it seemed like EVERYONE had already logged on to their computers and started coding.
The next moment was the darkest moment of the day for me…
Above all that was going on, I realized that I did not know how to turn on a computer. Where was the power button? I looked under the computer…to the right….to the left….everywhere. This was very embarrassing, to say the least.
To make a long story short, I figured out how to get the computer turned on that day. lol
By the end of the day, I had completed my 1st animation project on a computer. (Yaay!) I figured out how to create a fish-like object, and yes I sent that baby soaring across the computer screen. (lol) 🙂
After making it over my biggest hurdle of the 5th grade, I couldn’t wait to get home to tell my mom and dad that I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up – and it was no longer a nurse. I told them that I wanted to work with computers. I had a dream that I would one day own my own computer company.
Well, I guess I learned to overcome obstacles and get past my fear at an early age.
Later I graduated from college with a dual degree in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems. I started my career in Corporate America designing computer systems for companies like Pricewaterhouse, IBM and Dow Chemical.
After 16 years (and still an entrepreneur at heart), I decided to step out on faith in 2007 and launch my own computer consulting business. It has since expanded to include Web Design, Branding Consulting, and Book & Magazine Publishing.
So I say dare to dream! Your dreams can turn into reality if you keep the faith. My motto in life is… “If You Can Dream It, You CAN Achieve it!!” [pullquote]If you can dream it, you CAN achieve it![/pullquote]
Your Thoughts
What childhood moment positively shaped your future? I would love to hear from you, so please share your thoughts or comments below by clicking on the hyperlink that says “leave your comment” or “leave a reply”.
My childhood moment that positively shaped my future was in 9th grade English. I come from an alcoholic home, so encouragement was something I never received. For an English assignment, my 9th grade teacher asked us to write a short story. He came up to me the next day and told me how impressed he was – that my written description of the characters made them come alive. It sparked the first words of encouragement I had ever received. While I did not stay in school, I have never forgotten those words – and have been writing ever since. I am now in the process of writing my first book – my dream – and I credit my 9th grade English teacher with showing me that I had a gift 🙂
Wow, such an inspiring story Taylor! Thanks so much for sharing that. And congratulations on making your dreams come true. I wish you all the best with your first book. Very exciting!!! 🙂
Thanks again for stopping by. Have a great weekend!!!
Michelle