Information Technology: Our Cup of Tea.

Embracing the IT Industry: A Journey of Love and Perseverance

One undeniable proof of my affection for the IT industry lies in my unwavering commitment to it, despite witnessing many of my classmates and even some former colleagues shift to other fields. I cannot blame them, as this industry can be a source of constant headaches. Having a stockpile of paracetamol or ibuprofen within reach often feels like a necessity.

However, when you witness firsthand how modern technologies seamlessly integrate into your work and positively impact the people or companies you serve, it becomes pure bliss.

Allow me to take you back to a flashback: Upon graduating from high school, my original plan was to pursue robotics. I enrolled in Mechanical Engineering, inspired by what I had seen American ME students accomplish on television. Unfortunately, after a year in a public university, I realized that the Mechanical Engineering curriculum here was vastly different from that in the United States. Our projects consisted of creating bolts and hack saws. The only aspect I truly enjoyed was drafting, yet I felt a strong urge to switch gears.

Driven by my love for drawing, I decided to try my luck by applying for a fine arts program at another school. Armed with my trusty pencil and crayons during the practical exam, I soon realized that my fellow applicants possessed skills and materials far superior to mine. As I observed their work, I wondered why they still needed schooling—they seemed ready to embark on their careers immediately. It was individuals like me who required instruction. With limited slots available for the class, and knowing I ranked low (if not last), it came as no surprise that I did not make the cut.

Returning to my original school, I discovered they had begun offering IT courses. Yet again, I encountered new challenges: 1) The dean of the Engineering department refused to approve my transfer, and 2) The dean of IT was unwilling to accept me. It's funny how when you truly desire something, you must persevere until you eventually attain it. Don't ask me how, but I managed to pull some strings and successfully made the shift. Let's just say that both deans held a grudge against me thereafter.

The excitement I felt upon hearing the rhythmic clicking of keyboards, encountering monochrome monitors, learning flowcharts, deciphering whether the computer acknowledged our commands or deemed them "bad command or file name," and utilizing floppy diskettes and other computer peripherals—these were experiences etched in my memory forever. Finally, I was pursuing the course I had longed for.

During that time, the internet did not exist. We relied on books placed beside us while operating computers. This presented a challenge, as good books were scarce, and the available ones were often expensive. However, it seemed that fortune favored me then. Our school was tasked by the government to evaluate computer books before their publication, which meant we were always the first to read them.

During the summer, we were granted the opportunity to undergo training at the Government's Department of Science and Technology in the IT division. It was there that I received my first real coaching, gained more exposure to application development, delved into graphic arts and desktop publishing, and, most importantly, discovered the joy of computer games. You could say it was a well-rounded experience.

Even after college, my love for IT remained unwavering. Routine work for IT professionals involves consistent updating and keeping pace with

 the ever-changing landscape, which I do not consider routine at all given the vast range of knowledge to be acquired. Even as I write this entry, I find myself juggling at least five tasks simultaneously, so I must return to them promptly.

In future posts, I will delve further into the exciting world of IT, sharing stories of triumph and challenges while embracing the passion and continuous learning that define this captivating industry. Join me as we explore the realm of technology and its profound impact on our lives.

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