Where it All Began
Ever since I was little, I never sat still for very long. I was always doing something--- some project or extracurricular activity. I watched my mom perform in plays and writing books, and naturally, my first instinct was to do the same and follow in her footsteps. So, I performed in plays and musicals too. I also learned how to play a couple of instruments, spent some time studying composition and music theory, took ballet, jazz, tap, and singing lessons outside of school. I also started getting hands on experience on the more technical side of performing, learning how to stage manage, direct, and produce shows.
Also, pretty early on, I had a deep interest in science and engineering. I wasn't necessary interested in studying formulas and memorizing principles. I was more drawn to learning in a hands on way, discovering new things, and creating with my own hands. I learned that I really loved putting robots together, figuring out how computers worked and how the parts came together, and writing programs and making games that would fascinate and bring a smile to people's faces.
It would be too much to briefly expound on all of the things I did as a kid that fostered my professional interests, but in hindsight, its clear to see that, even though I had a lot of different interests, they all tie into the person I am now. Even my pasttimes of volunteer work and Girl Scouts has fostered in me the value of responsibility and helping my community.