Title: A Summer That Sparked a Lifelong Journey in Technology

In the summer of 1982, I found myself at a crossroads, though I didn’t know it then. Fresh out of 8th grade, I was enrolled in Comp-U-Camp, a summer program led by Marvis Marcus and a group of forward-thinking UCSB computer science students. The camp was held in an apartment in Isla Vista called the Fontainebleau. My parents, recognizing my early advocacy for computers in education, signed me up, though, to this day, I’m not entirely sure how they found out about it.

My first day at Comp-U-Camp didn’t go as planned. I arrived on time, only to find the gate locked and a phone number posted with no payphone in sight. Undeterred, I ventured into Isla Vista, familiar territory from my days as a paperboy for the Santa Barbara News-Press, to find the nearest payphone. I left a message and waited. When the phone finally rang, it was David Chang on the other end—a name that would soon become pivotal in my life. He explained that I was the only day camper; the others stayed overnight and had already left for a horseback riding excursion.

Though it stung to be left behind, what happened next would set the stage for the rest of my career. Dave Chang came to pick me up and introduced me to the world of computing in a practical and inspiring way. We spent the day together, discussing technology and exploring the potential of the Apple ][. Dave’s approachability and depth of knowledge were unlike anything I had encountered before—he made complex concepts accessible and encouraged my curiosity.

That day and the subsequent weeks at Comp-U-Camp were transformative. I wasn’t just learning how to use a computer but developing the foundational skills and mindset that would guide me throughout my career. The camp culminated in creating a text adventure game on the Apple ][—The Fontainebleau Blues—my first foray into programming. This experience ignited a passion that would lead me to pursue a career in technology, with Dave as both a mentor and a friend.

Dave Chang later hired me for my first two professional computer jobs, allowing me to apply what I had learned in real-world settings. Thanks to his guidance, I contributed to a UCSB project the following summer, teaching kids about history using Apple ][ computers. My involvement in this project and advocacy for the use of technology in education led to my involvement with "The Learning Center" at Dos Pueblos High School, where I helped manage the computer lab. By the 9th grade, I was already gaining invaluable experience and building a professional network supporting my future endeavors.

Looking back, it’s clear that the summer of 1982 was a turning point. The lessons I learned, the relationships I built, and the skills I developed during those formative weeks laid the groundwork for a successful career in technology. As I’ve navigated the complexities of the tech industry, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, the principles I learned that summer—curiosity, resilience, and the importance of mentorship—have remained at the core of my professional journey.

I cannot overstate the value of early experiences and strong mentors for anyone looking to make their mark in the tech industry. The path to success is rarely linear, but with the right foundation, anything is possible. My journey from a summer camp in Isla Vista to a career at the forefront of technology is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities, staying curious, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.

As I continue in my technology career, I carry the lessons of that summer. I am always looking for new ways to innovate, mentor, and contribute to our industry's ever-evolving landscape.