When there is an ending, there is always a new beginning, or at least I would like to believe.

Today is my last day at Echidna Solutions Corp., where I have been employed for the past four months a Web Developer. For the past four months I have been working on a variety of projects using open source technologies such as PHP, MySQL, jQuery and Drupal.

As a student at Fanshawe College here in London, Ontario, studying within the Computer Programmer Analyst program, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the Information Technology leaders here in London such as the team at Echidna.

Since May of this year, a lot has happened personally and professionally for me. It really all started with me attending the Canada 3.0 Conference as a student representing Fanshawe College’s Information Technology Department. While attending the Canada 3.0, I primarily focused on answering any questions that other attendees may haved while showcasing NextStop – London Transit Guide to all who passed the booth which included a wide range of visitors (high school students, local business owners, industry leaders, many Government Officials and Public Servants). I was able to meet some of the individuals who inspire me the most like David Eaves. However, what surprised me the most while attending was the opportunities that arose for possible employment opportunities with organizations like the Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics, and that such organizations are looking for the young forward thinking individuals to help shape this country and their organizations.

The same week that I attended Canada 3.0 was the week that I launched NextStop – London Transit Guide. On that Monday, I had an opportunity to speak with a variety of publications such as the London Free Press who simply wanted to write an article featuring NextStop and myself. Throughout this week I also interviewed live, on air, with The Shauna Rae Show.

Sure, the first couple of weeks at Echidna Solutions were me talking with the Press and other organizations regarding NextStop. However, these first couple of weeks were game changers for myself personally as I came to learn very quickly about what it is like having to talk and share one’s ideas, vision and mission repeatedly with Press and others, hoping not to say something that could tick people off.

Near the end of May, I moved to Old South and now living within walking distance of Wortley Village here in London. I am now living on my own and I am loving it (but there are definitely a few dislikes). Though many have said that I am very mature minded for my age (in case you did not know, I am actually only 21 years old), I still did not fully realize what it exactly meant live on your own and have place to call home until now. Well it is an experience that I think is one of the greatest in one’s life.

From PodCamp London to ChangeCamp and London’s citizen led Open Data Initiative, the next couple of months were quite exciting and eventful.

On June 25th, a group of citizens launched London’s first Open Data citizen led initiative. As one of the organizing members, I have been greatly appreciative of being London’s community, both citizens and the City’s politicians. Just a few days prior, I took a huge leap (in my opinion) in this community, and that was putting myself in front of approximately 100 citizens and politicians by doing my first public talk at one of London’s Ignite events. My talk was on the Open Data, where I shared a variety of information from what is Open Data to Open Data in education. The summary and video of my talk is available at here on my blog. The attendees who were made up of London’s community were very easy going and accepted the screw ups in my talk (referring to where I paused and said, “Umm…. ya!”). Even though I was nervous as all heck, the experience that I gained personally through this event was astronomical and I would like to thank all of the organizers, especially Gavin and Zeo Blair for all of their hard work (Oh! You too Noah!).

There are still many things that I could share with you which have happened over the past four months, but there are a few things I have learned and would like to share with you instead.

  • I have learned that the future is yours, and it is up to you to make what you want with it. Whether you are looking to be the next Canadian Idol (Recently in the news, a suspected terrorist was arrested in London just a day or two ago who was on Canadian Idol. This is very saddening and frightening that we have such individuals in and near our City, our Country or even on this planet) or simply looking to advance the society through technology and ‘open’. The future is yours.
  • Face your individual fears head on because whether you come out dead or alive (not literally), you will have gained a new perspective and experiences which will help you grow as a person and a professional.
  • We live in an economy where the phrase, “Thank You”, is not only recommended but also required.
  • We are living in an period which we collectively, as citizens, politicians or business leaders, need to start giving a crap about what the rest of us have to say. We simply no longer want to have each others messages shoved down our throats and in our faces through all possible platforms. (For more information regarding this, look at my blog article titled “The ship has sailed. The business of pulling“.)
  • London is a very vibrant and creative City, with many inspirational individuals – they as leaders and the forefront of London, we as a City need to collectively start listening to them.
  • Personal branding is key to success.

To end this reflection, I would like to say thanks to those who have supported me, my ideas (good or bad) and projects, and those who have been open to conversations on a variety of topics. More importantly, thank you to those at Echidna Solutions Corp. for a being open to conversation, my thoughts and ideas, and allowing me the time off for whatever reasons they may have been – whether they were meetings for Open Data London to attending events like Canada 3.0. So, Thank You!