Written by: Kevin Luis T. Mallari
Scholar batch 2021-2022
School: Ateneo de Manila University
My tech story started when I was in the 6th grade when I was introduced to the magical application, Photoshop. It was introduced to me by my sister, who was primarily using the computer for playing games. I was fascinated by what the application could do, and it seemed like the possibilities were endless. I explored the application by making random designs, trying out all the app’s features, and watching endless amounts of tutorials.
This skill I learned turned out to be helpful in my high school and college life. Whenever a “creative output” in school and university was needed, I was able to utilize my Photoshop skills. I was even able to do some freelancing to help my family with expenses since we’re not always financially stable. However, amidst the usefulness and the benefits I got from learning Photoshop, I realized one thing. I’m not really that creative and artistic. So although I know how to make complicated designs, I wasn’t creative enough to make them independently.
Luckily, there is a silver lining in my realization. I discovered my love for coding. I first learned how to code in the 10 grade, and I loved the experience. I loved trying to solve problems and the feeling of achievement, and I got to solve them independently. At the time, I knew that this was what I wanted to do in the future, and that’s the main reason I chose my college course, which is Computer Engineering.
I do believe that the closest thing that humans have to a superpower is technology. Technology literally has the power to change people’s lives, from making things more convenient to discovering advancements no one could have ever thought were possible. I continue to love and study technology because of this exact reason. I dream that one day, I will be able to use technology to help change people’s lives for the better, in whatever way possible.
