"Pour faire un aveu embarrassant, j'aime les jeux vidéo. C'est ce qui m'a amené à l'ingénierie logicielle quand j'étais enfant. Je voulais gagner de l'argent pour pouvoir acheter un meilleur ordinateur pour jouer à de meilleurs jeux vidéo. Rien à voir avec "

When someone admits they like video games and that passion led them to software engineering, they're sharing a slice of their life that's both humble and relatable. This person is acknowledging that their initial drive wasn’t some grand ambition or noble cause but a simple, personal goal – playing better video games. It's refreshingly honest and underscores how our passions, no matter how small they seem, can steer us towards significant achievements.

Historically, this kind of sentiment isn’t rare. Many software engineers and tech enthusiasts from the early days of computing got their start because of video games. Back in the '80s and '90s, games were among the most compelling ways to interact with computers. They weren't just entertainment; they were gateways to learning how these mysterious machines worked. For the author of the quote, it’s clear their journey into software engineering began with this very curiosity and love for gaming.

Think about Markus Persson, also known as "Notch," the creator of Minecraft. As a kid, he was fascinated by video games and spent hours playing them. His passion didn’t stop there. He taught himself to code so he could create his own games. Minecraft, which started as a personal project, exploded into a global phenomenon. Notch’s initial drive was simple: he wanted to build and tinker with something he loved. This mirrors the sentiment of our quote – from a passion for gaming to a career in software development.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? It's all about embracing your passions, no matter how trivial they might seem. If there’s something you love, dive into it. Whether it’s video games, cooking, or even knitting, let that passion guide you. It can lead you to unexpected places. Maybe you love photography – that could turn into a career in graphic design or even AI tech focusing on image recognition. The key is to start somewhere, and often, those small beginnings can grow into something much larger.

Imagine you're at a crossroads in your career or education. You’re unsure what direction to take. Instead of forcing yourself to follow a path that doesn’t excite you, think back to what you loved doing as a kid. Could there be a career or job related to that? For instance, if you spent hours building model airplanes, maybe engineering or design is your calling. Or, if you were always drawing, perhaps you should explore graphic design or animation.

Let me share a story. My friend Jane was always doodling in her notebooks during class. Everyone thought it was just a quirky habit. But she loved it – it was her escape. Fast forward to today, and Jane is a successful illustrator, working with major brands and creating art that reaches millions. Her doodles? They were the seeds of her career. Just like the person in the quote, Jane’s simple passion led her to a fulfilling career.

In the end, it’s about recognizing the potential in what you love. Don’t dismiss your hobbies or interests as insignificant. They might just be the key to your future. So, what’s your “video game”? What simple passion can you follow that might lead to something amazing?