My IBM Dream - Prelude

It was 5:45pm. Twenty one years ago, an eight year old boy was playing in the street with other kids just in front of their house when he notices a huge white van park in front of his friend’s (Mike) house. Mike’s parents and Mike enter the van with tons of luggage. Mike opens his side of the van’s window just enough to peek a bit and show his gloomy face.

The eight year old boy runs home as the van carrying one of his childhood friends drive away.

As the eight year old boy opens the door, he shouts out to his mom…

Eight year old boy: “Ma, where is Mike going? Why does he have many bags with him?”

Eight year old boy’s mom: “Well, Michael’s dad was given a job to work in the U.S. and their whole family can come there and live with him.”

Eight year old boy: “Eh, why does he have to go with them? Can’t he stay in their house?”

Eight year old boy’s mom: “No he can’t. They sold the house already.”

Eight year old boy: “Ay… Can I go to the U.S. too ma?”

Eight year old boy’s mom: “Of course you can. You study hard and when you graduate college, you should work for IBM just like Mike’s father. Promise ok. So you can bring us to the U.S. with you.”

Eight year old boy: “OK. I promise.”

I have wanted to work for International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) since I was eight years old. Sad to say until now, my IBM dream has not been realized yet...