I never really understood the value of imagination until now. It has become a very useful device in our current workforce and as our world moves more toward techno-centrism, imagination will be the creative infrastructure that shapes our daily practices. So even if we try to escape it, we would have no other choice but to face it. The good thing is, we all have the capacity to use our imaginations. The thinking capacity of the human brain will always be better than a computer. Many of us just don’t have enough motivation. At least, I didn’t. In my younger days I was considered the typical “geek” or “nerd.” I loved video games so much I even dreamed about one day creating my own. I was introduced to video games at a very young age by my father and male cousins. I loved having the ability to use my imagination in a world outside of my own. It was my escape from reality. Once I left high school, my life began to change. As my journey for self-discovery began, I became less and less interested in video games and technology. I thought taking life seriously meant forgetting about things that were unreal and “child-like” and focusing on things that will gear me toward my dream job (whatever that meant back then). However, little did I know, I needed to hold on to my imagination and creativity to be better at retaining skills that would actually be useful. I was so lost but I was also honestly intimidated by tech. Growing up I watched my older cousin break down a computer and put it together again, program a website from scratch to create really dynamic static websites and interfaces. I really looked up to my cousin’s ability to do something that seemed so complex and I was so inspired to learn, asking questions everyday. Somehow between high school and my second year of college my imagination started to plummet. I no longer wanted to create things or even thought I was capable of doing so. I just wanted a decent paying job but I knew I was settling. This also made it more difficult for me to decide on choosing a major. Choosing a major to me was like choosing someone to marry and be with for the rest of my life. I was discouraged and felt incapable of successfully pursuing not only a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) which is considered non-traditional for a women of color but even some of the traditional careers like teaching English. So what was I to do? Well, I chose International Relations because I loved researching and studying multitudes of cultures, languages and political systems and I dreamed of someday traveling to many countries. I still have those desires and I am extremely passionate about starting my own international nonprofit organization. However, I realized how conducive technology would be in bringing that passion into fruition. Two years ago, when I first planted the seed of creating an iOS application for my nonprofit idea, I thought of hiring a web developer. Feeling limited by my finances and skills, I instantly became discouraged and abandoned the idea. If I learn how to program I wouldn’t need to hire a developer, I can just do the job myself. The thought of this was so freeing. I can now integrate my passions and by having this relevancy, will maximize my flexibility. Suddenly, I feel as if I have unlimited potential and capabilities. As I continue to pursue a career in tech, the more I am made aware of my past mistakes. I learned that one of the most detrimental things I’ve ever done was believe that I am incapable. I believed that I was not creative and that I was incapable of efficiently problem solving. Ultimately, the worst thing I’ve done was subdue my imagination. Now I have so much peace in knowing that with God anything is possible. Matthew 19:26, “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” KJV
Living with Grace 