A personal story.
My journey to being a detail-oriented, people-focused, problem solver.
In the spring of 1995, I was born in a third world country. Beyond that, I was born in what one could describe as the slums. Nevertheless, I grew up free to roam about and explore the world around me. I once walked about 3 miles to my uncle’s house from at about 5 years old, don’t tell my mom. With that, independence, creativity, and attention to detail blossomed within me.
Often, I would sit by the window and watch people walk about. I remember thinking about what they were going to do based on their outfits. If a woman was dressed up in glittery clothes and only held a purse, maybe she was headed to a party. If she was moderately dressed and had a purse, AND a book, AND a fan, maybe she was going to church. Curiosity fueled my attentiveness. Soon I began to take note of the expression on their faces, and their body language, as they walked up and down the street. If his face was bunched up and he was walking fast, someone was going to get an earful from him. If she smiled as he talked to her and couldn't stay still, then she liked him.
Today, I can see when a customer needs help from across the store. I notice the furrow of a person’s brow, or even the number of times they turn around seeming lost. Being fascinated with details has also helped me debug errors quickly by tracing the details backwards. I ask myself, well where did it last work? And then, where did it break? After that, I trace the in-between, using various resources to mend the gap in my knowledge.
Back then, we were often in need, but we were never without - because the community is family. I would stay with neighbors when my parents were working. And when my mother was sick, people would bring food to the house, so we had one less thing to worry about. Coming from humble beginnings, I learned to make do with what we had. When we could not afford butter, experimenting taught me that making cupcakes with oil was just as effective. Also, when my brothers were in school and my parents had to deal with something urgent, I learned to take initiative by offering to help a neighbor in exchange for an afternoon snack.
Needless to say, I credit my inclination towards problem solving to the environment I grew up in. I also credit my upbringing with fostering my desire to help people. Being a part of a community was cemented in me early on. Seeing neighbors and strangers as an extension of family has influenced the way I treat customers, co-workers, and all those around me.
I hope this helps you mend some gaps in your understanding of who I am.
Thanks for stopping by 🙃️, BYE!