Like my friend (and classmate) Jean Doria, I grew up in a third world country without computers. Honestly I didn't even get to touch a typewriter. I told my sons the other day that I should have opted to become a secretary after high school. That would have given me an experience in typing (typing classes were only for those pursuing secretarial jobs). My ten year old planned to give me typing lessons soon. Anyway, my relationship with computers started when email became available and my husband allowed me to use his computer that he mostly use for his teaching job. Later on he bought me my own computer but the only thing I knew was to turn it on and send an email. Eventually it evolved into "googling" and finally a few months ago-Facebook.
I realize the disadvantage I have over those who grew up or went to school having typewriters or computers but this does not mean that I can continue to make an excuse for not learning to use them. I have several nieces and nephews in the Philippines and one of the main thing I help them with is to have computers so that they will have a better chance with success. My goal in the next few years is to build a public library in my hometown and offer computer classes and other educational-related classes to help improve the lives of the youth as well as adults. Two years ago I donated a couple of computers at a small elementary school in Cebu and had my son teach the school principal and her assistant on how to use the computer. That was exciting to them.
In my most positive attitude, I can say that I will no longer be techno-illiterate by 2012 (when I finish my MSN)!!
Hi, Emmie--Thanks for the interesting insight into your life without a computer. My father had an old typewriter that I loved to play with when I was little. I took a typing class in high school (no computers or word processors yet), and thought I wanted to be a secretary. Actually, I was for a couple years after I graduated from college--in the college biology dept, but then I decided the professors had it better than the secretary, so I decided to go back to school--hence all my many many years in school! : )
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