When I was 7 years old, I saw a computer for the very first time. I didn’t know what it was capable of, but the moment that screen lit up, I knew I wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It started with games, of course—what else would a 7-year-old be interested in? But soon, I started exploring how things worked. I remember being fascinated by folders and how they nested inside one another. It seemed like a magical way of storing information.
Personal Story
Noel Mutia
Jan 23, 2025
As I spent more time on computers, I started asking questions. If I could copy a file, could I copy an entire game and share it with my friends? That curiosity led to my first real-world problem solved through technology. I met someone who sold games and worked with computers, and I asked him, “How do you make multiple copies of the games you have on your computer?” That’s when I discovered the world of burning CDs.
I began burning CDs for my friends, and then people I didn't know heard about what I was doing and wanted to get a game for themselves. For my close friends they just had to buy the princo discs, but if I didn't know the person I would charge a fee. It was the first time I made money from technology.
By the time I was 9, I discovered cybercafés and was introduced to the internet. I explored emails, starting with Gmail and Yahoo, and then moved on to platforms like Facebook, Wikipedia, and Google. The internet opened up a world of knowledge and possibility. At the time, most people around me didn’t see its value. They thought computers were just for games or casual fun. But even then, I could see that technology wasn’t just a tool for entertainment—it was going to change everything.
Before I started boarding school, I made a decision: no matter what career I chose, technology would be at the core of it. I loved it, and I could already see its potential to transform lives, solve problems, and drive innovation. It wasn’t just about playing games anymore; it was about using technology to do things that had a real-world effect.
Since then, my journey has taken me through countless projects where I’ve been able to use software to make a difference. I’ve developed solutions to help schools run more efficiently, built tools to help medical clinics reach new clients, and created platforms to empower communities.
Looking back, I know I made the right choice. Technology continues to accelerate human progress, and software, in particular, feels like the driving force of our era. Just as fire and electricity transformed humanity, I believe software will be the catalyst for the next level of evolution. Every day, I’m excited to be part of that journey, solving problems, innovating, and creating tools that shape the future.
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