In my opinion, Technology is the perfect marriage between creativity and technical expertise. Like any relationship, it takes time, patience, and nurturing to develop into something that withstands the test of time. At times, it is fraught with errors, mistakes, and sudden crashes and will continue to shape your future in ways you can never imagine. I have a love/hate relationship with technology. I love all the things technology allows you to do and enjoy being able to engage with all the technological advances. However, I hate not being able to immediately grasp all of its complexities or innately understand terms as quickly as some of my younger peers.
I am excited by everything tech! Each day presents some new technological advancement I could have never imagined. I am interested in increasing my knowledge of Content Management Systems and Front-End Development. I believe the popularity of freelancing and the growth in solopreneurs spurred on by the Covid 19 Pandemic has presented unique opportunities for individuals with this type of skill set. I hope to become more adept with these skills and ultimately help to teach my peers about them.
I want to take the adage “You can’t teach an old dog, new tricks” and replace it with the saying “In youth we learn; In age we understand.” I hope to help break down the stereotypes of older adults as being technologically challenged. I want to encourage the generations to commingle and realize that through collaboration, there is strength. I hope to become more proficient in technology and through my example, open the door for my peers to embrace the changes that are taking place and recognize the benefits technology offers. With patience and understanding and the experience of fresh footprints (still walking in their shoes), I want to teach mature adults how to use technology in a language that they understand. I want to demonstrate the benefits and enhancements to one’s life that flow from embracing what is inevitable — as the only “constant” is change. I feel I can help be the voice for what is rapidly becoming the invisible generation. Instead of seeing us as a hindrance, I hope to change some younger minds as well as potential employers to see our workplace value. Recently, I was sent an Instagram image from a friend who said, “Those who want us to work to age 70 and the ones who won’t hire us after age 50 – Are the same people.” Unfortunately, I do believe my age is a potential barrier in this area, but I am hopeful that I can persuade some minds and shatter some beliefs while at the same time opening a door and a window for others.