Science Chicago
Next Generation will always be my favorite video game magazine. It has been out of print for several years, but it was revolutionary for its time. Instead of appealing to kids, it recognized that gamers have grown up and that teenagers and adults loved the hobby too. In addition to coverage of the latest games, the magazine talked about the development process and business side of the industry. I can still remember the issue when they listed the most influential people in the video game industry. Among them was the manager of Microsoft’s DirectX technology. A black man! I was still in school at the time and felt very self-conscious about discussing my silly dream of one day working in the video games industry. Seeing a face I could relate to doing what I wanted to do was definitely encouraged me to keep going.
In that regard, I have been very fortunate. From Mr. Frankel giving me an opportunity to work in television production in middle school, to Mr. Lonnie King from church showing me how to lead the Men’s Day committee, to the Meyerhoff Scholarship staff and students who taught me to strive for academic excellence, to Dr. Bill Massey who taught me to strive for more, and of course my family and many more, I have always had someone to look up to when I was growing up.
It is kind of strange to think that I am in a position to be looked up to. Most days I think of all that I have yet to accomplish and feel frustrated with myself. However, I think if the younger version of me who read the Next Generation magazine had seen what I’ve managed to accomplish thus far, I think he’d be proud. So when my good friend Rabiah approached me about speaking to kids about careers in math and science, I accepted. I consider it an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to help the next generation of kids reach their goals.
Dr. Rabiah Mayas is the Science Director of Science Chicago. Science Chicago is a yearlong program lead by the Museum of Science and Industry to encourage kids to take an interest in math and science. Check out my presentation in the videos below.
In that regard, I have been very fortunate. From Mr. Frankel giving me an opportunity to work in television production in middle school, to Mr. Lonnie King from church showing me how to lead the Men’s Day committee, to the Meyerhoff Scholarship staff and students who taught me to strive for academic excellence, to Dr. Bill Massey who taught me to strive for more, and of course my family and many more, I have always had someone to look up to when I was growing up.
It is kind of strange to think that I am in a position to be looked up to. Most days I think of all that I have yet to accomplish and feel frustrated with myself. However, I think if the younger version of me who read the Next Generation magazine had seen what I’ve managed to accomplish thus far, I think he’d be proud. So when my good friend Rabiah approached me about speaking to kids about careers in math and science, I accepted. I consider it an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to help the next generation of kids reach their goals.
Dr. Rabiah Mayas is the Science Director of Science Chicago. Science Chicago is a yearlong program lead by the Museum of Science and Industry to encourage kids to take an interest in math and science. Check out my presentation in the videos below.
posted by Mr. Sharps at 6:00 PM
