My Technology Autobiography
Technology remains a luxury for many individuals living in developing nations. For instance, when industrialized nations experience new technologies, you need to wait for years especially if you live in an African country to enjoy the same experience. My name is Yara Loua and I was raised and born in a West African French speaking country; and my early experience with technological devices were limited only to telephone and fax machine, typewriter and office copier in the 1990s. The reasons I was able to access these technologies was simply because my Dad used to have a small business that provides office supply services, international calls and fax services, and copying and typing services. On the weekend, I usually spent the entire day with my dad helping him with the business. For example, I used to make copies for customers who stopped by and this was how I familiarized myself with these technological devices.
The most popular gadgets in my house while growing up was a black and white TV and a radio set. Color TV was used by affluent people at that time and the quality of the images was not as good as it is today. It was very fun to watch cartoon as a kid. This was a great experience for me because television was the only way for me to know about my surroundings and the world. In addition, analog record turntable was later used in my house to play music during parties or other important ceremonies.
Elon Musk, the founder of Telsa Automobile and Space X is an innovator and visionary. I identify him as being the most “technologically literate” person in my life because he is always one step ahead in terms of innovation and technology. He was the one who introduced PayPal, one of the pioneering payment method on the internet. Today, Telsa automobiles give you the opportunity to experience electric car; and you can also drive your vehicle on auto-pilot. Moreover, Elon’s company Space X is working on how to send individuals on planet Mars and is competing with the government agencies such as NASA. Originally from South Africa, Elon has demonstrated that everything is achievable when you believe in yourself. During an interview, a journalist asked him why he doesn’t give up after many failures of his rocket trying to go to space and he responded, ” I will never give up, unless I die or get incapacitated.” This attitude showed to me a sense of great character in an individual, qualities of determination and perseverance. The lesson I learned from Elon is that regardless of challenges and failures you encounter, you must keep moving forward and stay motivated to achieve your dream.
Technology has contributed a lot in my lifestyle, especially accessing the internet has given me the opportunity to grow as an individual; and the opportunity to pursue any endeavor which was then limited before to few people. Today, I can easily learn a new skill by simply typing a sentence on Google or YouTube. I can learn and educate myself on almost any topic and virtually travel the world without leaving my home. In addition, most of my graduate education were conducted online, I don’t know how I would have been able to complete my education without advances in technology and internet, especially when you work and take care of a family at the same time. Technology has allowed me to work from home, to meet new people, to acquire new skills, and to contribute to my community as a digital citizen, share ideas, and collaborate with others. Being technologically literate mean having basic knowledge on how to use both hardware and software application, and other effective methods and tools of communication. For example, hardware includes computer, smartphone, or any device that make your daily life easier and software applications may be Windows 8 PC application, iOS and Android mobile applications.
In 3 to 5 years, virtual reality and artificial intelligence will be the new trends. technologically literate will mean that you must be able to operate devices in such categories.
Among my peers I am considered an early adopter. The world in which we live today oblige us to stay current in new technological advances and to remain competitive in the marketplace, whether you work for a company or operate your own business.
Computers and mobile devices are popular in my home. I always carry with me my smartphone and often my laptop when I go to school or meet clients. My technological wish list includes a laptop and smartphone that offer both speed, performance, and huge data storage. May be in the future, a car that offers the capability of free Wi-Fi.
Currently, I am working on a new technology called “interactive resume” which gives students and professionals the opportunity to showcase their talents or work samples to prospective clients or future employers. I am currently providing one-month free services on all demos available on www.interactiveresumepro.com .
I usually go on YouTube or look for blogs that offer tutorial on how to use the technology I am interested in. It is usually fun because I am most of time interested in learning new tricks and tips on new technologies.
