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Words for Training Contest Grand Prize Winning Essay
Editor’s Note: Here is the Grand Prize winning essay of our Words for Training Contest written by R. Louis Costley III.
Why I Do What I Do
Closing my eyes, my chin fell to my chest. The world was closing in all around me, and the sound of the ceiling fan spinning above my head seemed to grow louder with each heartbeat that pounded within. Slowly, I took a deep breath. I knew it would be like this, but, still … you’re never really prepared. Even slower, I exhaled, opened my eyes, and tried one more time.
"Dad, please don’t panic."
Choosing my words carefully, I spoke deliberately.
"The mouse is the oval shaped component that is on your desk, next to the keyboard. It has a wire coming out of the top, and if you look at the shape, and the wire, it sort of looks like a mouse with a tail. Do you see it?"
"This thing my hand is resting on?"
"Yes, pops … that’s it." For the third time, I attempted to get him to turn off his computer. "Now, please roll the mouse down to the start button in the lower left corner, and then left click on the start button."
"You want me to roll this hand-held thingy over the left corner. But I’m right handed, and it’s on the right side of my typewriter. I’ll have to cross my arms …"
"The typewriter," I asked in confusion, "do you mean the keyboard?"
"Whatever! The thing I type on."
He was frustrated. My nearly-75-year-old father was regretting making his first foray into the world of computer technology.
"I said I was ready for a computer, son, but I didn’t want to have to type anything," he told me. "Remember? And this talking software that came with it, it never gets my words right. And what happened to the picture on my screen? It’s gone!"
I was wishing I had chosen to become a baker, about this time. After 40 minutes of trying to explain to my ole’ man what a mouse was, and how to use it, I had come to the same conclusion that he was muttering every five minutes.
I hate computers!
Actually, it’s more like a love/hate relationship. Always has been. But the experience I was having with the man that gave me life epitomizes what I love about my work, and why I chose to enter this field. I’m a teacher at heart, and find a tremendous amount of satisfaction when I can enlighten a person to the power of the PC, and the associated software and hardware that come with it.
Therein lays the ultimate objective of my IT quest – to help others become the master of these beasts that, in just one generation, have become the bedrock of our daily existence. Even that person that never uses a computer … uses one to log his or her hours at the end of the week, thus putting the bacon on the table.
This has been the case for me for quite some time, and is the impetus for my career change a couple of years back. I had been working in accounting for twenty years, and hating every minute of it. Because of my knowledge and understanding of computers, though, I always found myself performing dual roles.
It seemed that once others became aware I could build and fix computers, teach them about Windows and their software, and help them become more efficient at their own jobs, I was spending as much time performing IT and Desktop Support as I was the Month End Close.
Eventually, I was putting together networks, and teaching groups how to use them. So, I just quit. I pushed aside the 10-key and dedicated six months to getting my first 3 CompTIA certifications. Then I completed the cycle, and started working in IT. Now I have a couple of Microsoft certifications, and am focusing on my MCSA; this, to be followed up by the upgrade to Win2K8, CCNA and then MCSE. Ultimately, I hope to continue into the security side of this field.
I don’t desire to work in the corporate world, though, earning 6-figures. I can live comfortably on half that amount. No, I hope to fill the gap for the small business owner, the sole proprietor … the woman that owns her own floral shop, and the guy that has his own landscaping business. These are the folks that spend all their time and energy following their own dream, their own vision, and their own passion. And they don’t have the time, or the budget, for an IT department.
I believe in these people. They’re the bedrock of every community. Sure, the big corporations employ a lot of people, but the small businesses are the lifeblood of our towns and our cultures. My desire is to offer them the same level of professional expertise that the corporations can afford, but in a way that is well within their own budgets and incomes.
It’s so much more personal, too. Who knows, maybe I’ll be paid with a nice bouquet of flowers, and a backyard waterfall to enjoy the fragrance and sunset.
Well, my Pops … he just called me back again. It seems his taskbar is now on the right side of his screen. And that "typewriter" of his, it keeps putting out Chinese letters.
1400 miles away, and I’ve got to log onto his PC and fix the mess … while he watches Tiger play his greatest tournament. I’m so glad I took a week off from work!
Admit it, though. We love coming to the rescue, don’t we? C’mon … Admit it!
Hey! It’s why I do what I do.
…
R. Louis Costley III (MCP, MCDST, A+, Network+, Security+) recently relocated back to New Mexico from Nashville, Tennessee where he worked for one of the top PC manufacturers in the world. Currently Louis works as a Contractor Associate for a Computer Services company whose main focus is the small and medium business community in Albuquerque.
He’s also working on a motion picture project called Damascus Road, of which he also authored the screenplay. Louis is a multitalented individual — an IT professional, a writer and a musician. He’s published a novel as well as released a soundtrack demo CD, both entitled "Damascus Road".
Here’s Trip (as his friends like to call him) behind his drum set.
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9 Responses to “Words for Training Contest Grand Prize Winning Essay”
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Rick Says:
July 30th, 2008 at 9:02 am
I am sure we are twins, I have the exact feelings and motivations why I am in IT.
Thanks for putting the emotions into words.
My first company that I worked for allways said that our job is to “Turn a moment of misery into a moment of magic” The IT field give us the “givers” the opportunity to do just that.
Good luck and congratulations
Rick
South Africa
Sandy Says:
July 31st, 2008 at 11:19 am
I have had the same conversation with my father in law. Thankfully I live close enough to drive over to his house to help him out. But good for them to be willing to move to something new at their age. Congrats on winning the contest. It sounds like you will put the training to good use!
Ivan Says:
July 31st, 2008 at 11:21 am
R Louis:
This essay is fantastic. Congratulations prize well deserved ! Most of us in this field have shared some of these experiences, and yes we have to admit we are here to help others and it is what enlightens our lives and it is the motivation to come to work every day.
Richard Bishop Says:
July 31st, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I to must say thats an incredible essay. I find that being in the IT world has brought satisfaction and happiness not only to myself but to those that require my services.
For the older generation this tecnology can be rather frustrating and to be there to assist then and to see how appreciative they are when I’ve completed my task means more than making 6 figures in the corporate world. The relationships that are created goes a long way and things always turn out for the better.
Keep up the good work and congratulations on the winnings.
Richard.
big loser Says:
August 1st, 2008 at 8:50 am
How do you compete with a screenplay writing IT guy? Next time I will have to contact a pulitzer winner so an IT guy has a chance at winning free training.
Lee Says:
August 1st, 2008 at 10:51 am
Good job, Trip.
Scott Skinger Says:
August 8th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
R. Louis-
Congrats! I just read your essay for the second time and I have to say it was even more entertaining the second time around. Thanks to everyone who participated, we greatly appreciate it.
Scott Skinger
President/Founder
Train Signal, Inc.
Rich D Says:
August 26th, 2008 at 8:03 am
Great essay! I have been setting up networks for 25 years and remember the evolution of the GUI…and I am only 40 years old. Having worked at large companies (one of which makes the world’s fastest supercomputers) and then moving to a consulting roll at a company that specializes in the SMB market – I can relate to Trip. It is nice getting a thank you every once and a while from the small business owner for doing little more than helping them get their email.
Sandy Carrillo-Mileski Says:
September 30th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Hi Louis
Congratulations on your win!!! I was looking through my yearbook the other day going through the signatures, feeling a little nostalgic. You had signed right next to your poem, “The Race” here’s a few lines–I pass the runners and take the lead. In their groans I hear them plead. Back over the bridge and toward the pole, An unexpected shock, I hit the hole. But I keep my balance, I keep first place,I limp across the finish to win the race….Sitting with my coach, enjoying the rest, I know now that I am the BEST!. Did that take you back. I googled you to see what would come up and Bamm!!!! You haven’t changed a bit. I had the biggest crush on you in high school. You probably don’t remember me. If you still have your Albuquerque High School yearbook I was part of the homecoming court and played softball senior year. I’m happy to see you are doing well and continuing with your poetry.
Take Care
Sandy