Reflections at 34: Teaching, Tech, and Community

As I celebrate my birthday this year, I’ve found myself reflecting on everything I’ve been building—both personally and professionally—and how it all connects to something bigger than me. The last year has been full of growth, and as I look ahead to turning 35, I wanted to take a moment to document the journey so far.

Teaching Tech and Empowering Seniors

One of the most fulfilling things I’ve started doing is teaching computer classes, mostly for the 55+ community. These classes are free and offered in a variety of locations, including the Hiawatha Public Library and local senior centers. They cover everything from using a smartphone to navigating the internet safely.

What I’ve realized is that these sessions aren’t just about tech—they’re about connection, confidence, and making people feel empowered in a digital world that’s rapidly leaving many behind. I absolutely love it and plan to keep expanding it.

Growing My Tech Business

Alongside the classes, I’ve been growing my tech business. I offer remote and on-site support, with a focus on helping seniors. Whether it's setting up streaming services, configuring free over-the-air TV antennas, cleaning up slow computers, or doing security checks—I'm there to make technology easier.

By this time next year, my goal is to be fully self-employed, sustaining myself by helping people directly through these services. Every time I’m able to solve a problem or make life a little easier for someone, it reinforces why I’m doing this.

Laptop Donations and Linux: Bridging the Digital Divide

One area I’ve been especially passionate about is repurposing donated laptops. Thanks to the generosity of friends and community members, I’ve been given older machines that I then securely wipe and install lightweight Linux operating systems like Mint or MX Linux.

Once they’re set up with LibreOffice and a browser, these laptops are capable tools for people who might otherwise not have access to technology. They can write documents, browse the web, email, and stay connected—all for free. It’s a great feeling to extend the life of a machine and help someone in the process.

We live in such a throwaway culture. I believe both people and things have more life in them than we give them credit for. Restoring technology and putting it back into use instead of the landfill is something I care deeply about.

A Personal Restoration Project

On a similar note, I recently refurbished my grandfather’s Kirby vacuum—the only one he and my grandmother had for over 50 years. It hadn’t run in a couple years, but I got it cleaned up and working again. It’s now my main vacuum, and I love the feeling of using something with history, purpose, and longevity. It’s a small example, but it reflects my broader values of reuse, sustainability, and honoring the past.

Community Involvement and Future Goals

This year I was appointed to a two-year term on the Hiawatha Parks & Recreation Board. It’s a new opportunity to serve and give back to the city in a meaningful way. While I won’t be running for City Council this fall, I’m still committed to public service and plan to run again in the 2027 election.

Another exciting project: I’ve been helping to establish Annawatha Lodge #46, a brand new Masonic Lodge in Hiawatha. I even had the honor of building their website. It’s exciting to help something grow from the ground up and be part of shaping a new community tradition.

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Looking Ahead

My life’s focus is becoming clearer: I want to use my skills to help people, to empower them with technology, and to build strong, sustainable community ties. I want to grow my business, keep teaching, repurpose more devices, and help shape the future of the place I call home.

Thank you to everyone who’s supported me, trusted me with their old tech, invited me into their homes for support, or encouraged me along the way. This year has been a foundation. The next one? I hope it’s the launch.