Every now and then I experience a random act of kindness from a stranger unto myself. Sometimes it's in the form of a personal email, other times it's something else. Today it was an inspiring letter I received from a young kid from Baltimore, Maryland. Though it's not really a specific act of kindness, his words and source of inspiration mean a great deal to me. It's great that he is afflicted with Asperger's Syndrome and he and found something he loves to do. Many people with Asperger's find something they love and totally excel at it - this could be interesting.
I know of people who lead normal lives who are never satisfied with their jobs or place in life and simply come across as negative. Sometimes it's good to reflect on the positives in life and just perform a random act of kindness.
It's letters like this that make my job so much more worth it, I thought I'd share it on the blog.
Dear Mr. Rahul Sood,
Before I begin, let me give you some background info on myself.
I'm 16 years old and reside in Baltimore, Maryland as the son of two doctors from Punjab + Amritsar India. When I was 8, my love affair with computer began. My older brother allowed me to insert his new 3dfx Voodoo3 graphics card into his computer, and from then on I've remained deeply fascinated with computers. I built my first one when I was 10, and since then I've built 4 more. Computers entice me mainly because I'm afflicted with Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism. People with aspergers typically have above average intelligence, however we focus ourselves entirely to one cause. That cause for me is computers. I know, the last thing a kid from India needs in an already socially awkward situation is autism, huh?
I've always been told since I was young that my occupation should be based on what I love, therefore I'm attempting to take on the daunting task of entering the computer industry. I got on board with a friends' PC manufacturing company, XXX XXXXX PC, which flopped almost instantly.
Anyway, I'm writing you to ask if there's any advice you have for me as I honestly don't know where to go from here, especially since college doesn't seem like a viable option, as my grades aren't the best.
Take care and thanks for your time,
Amman Sood
7 blogger comments:
And........
You told the kid that at 16 he still has time to pull his grades out of the gutter and get to college?
I didn't graduate college until I was 26 years old, and it was the best decision I ever made. What you learn doesn't make you more intelligent... It's the experience that grows you as a person.
Give him the right advice Rahul... Even if it wasn't the advice that was right for YOU.
Of course, I would never recommend that someone stays out of school. My story is not typical, and I would never recommend anyone try to do what I did - which was essentially a combination of hard work and being in the right place at the right time.
You do have to understand what Asperger's is though. A "typical" college degree may not be the best path for him.
"I know of people who lead normal lives who are never satisfied with their jobs or place in life and simply come across as negative. Sometimes it's good to reflect on the positives in life and just perform a random act of kindness."
This is a tad patronizing. But it's to be expected from someone blessed with the good fortune to be "in the right place at the right time." Maybe you've never had a strong passion or desire go unfulfilled. If that's the case, then you are exceedingly fortunate. But it's easy to judge "negativity" when fortune smiles upon you. I think maybe you aren't appreciating your good fortune enough if you view discontent as negativity.
I notice you didn't post a response to Amman. My guess is that you probably don't have one other than the "stay positive, go to college" type. Don't get me wrong, there's no shame in that... it would have been disingenuous to give him any other advice. I don't know what the odds are of people doing what they love but I'd guess they probably aren't very encouraging, even for people in the best of health.
If you're reading this Amman, here's my advice... be persistent and keep an open mind. You're only guaranteed to fail if you quit trying.
Hi James,
That message wasn't meant to be taken in a negative way. I have tried and failed in multiple projects and tried to learn from my mistakes. Don't take it personally, there are those who are negative - no matter how nice you are, they take pleasure in the failure of others.
I may post my response to Amman once I hear back from him.
Same surname as you?
Same surname as you?
...amazing huh? Would you ask me the same question if my name was Smith?
:)
I might have! :D
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