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April 26, 2023

One Big Roller-Coaster

You’re only a stranger once

I’ve always hated humid school day afternoons. The blazing hot sun combined with the tedious and unending radio news that my grandma refuses to change when she picks me up from school leaves me wondering if our home moves away as we drive forward. However, this day was different. Unable to hold back my excitement, I rushed out of school to the car as soon as the bell rang.

I was on my way to the Addis Tech Group (ATG) office for the very first time to do a six-month recap on my blog, “One big roller coaster.” I had started blogging in my freshman year of high school as a way to share my passion for programming with others. I never imagined that it would lead me to ATG, a company that is truly passionate about technology and its potential to make the world a better place.

When I arrived at the ATG office, I was immediately greeted by a friendly and welcoming team. They took me on a tour of the office and introduced me to everyone. I quickly felt like I was part of the team.

Over the next few hours, I had the opportunity to talk to several members of the ATG team about their work. I was inspired by their passion and dedication to their craft. I also learned a lot about the latest technologies and trends in the tech industry.

By the end of the day, I was feeling energized and inspired. I was grateful for the opportunity to meet such a talented and passionate team. I knew that I had found a place where I could grow and learn.

I’m so glad that I took that first step and reached out to ATG. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you’re feeling lost or uncertain about your future, I encourage you to do the same. You never know where it might lead you.

Here are some tips for connecting with new people:

  • Be yourself. People can tell when you’re being fake, so it’s important to be genuine.
  • Be interested in others. Ask questions and listen to what they have to say.
  • Be positive. People are drawn to those who are upbeat and positive.
  • Be helpful. Offer to help out with tasks or projects.
  • Be patient. It takes time to build relationships.

Remember, you’re only a stranger once. So go out there and start connecting with people!

February 17, 2023

One Big Roller Coaster

The Evolution of Technology from Stone Tools to Quantum Computing- Part 2

 

Quantum computers are advanced machines inspired by quantum physics. They operate by studying and controlling the behavior of atoms and particles, which is completely different from a regular computer. Although it as an upgraded and advanced version of the computers we use regularly, is not exactly the next generation computer. Meaning, you cannot build a better table just by adding more and more tables together. In the same way, it is not possible to build a quantum computer just by adding classical computers together. A classical computer performs operations using classical bits which can be either zero or one. In contrast, quantum computer uses quantum bits or qubits which can be both zero and one at the same time. 

Let’s say you’re playing a game of flip the coin on your computer. In this case, there is a 50% chance that either if you will win. The computer will take heads and tails as bits of zero and one and depends on only these two results. On the other hand, a quantum computer also has these possibilities including a possibility of a mixture of both heads and tails, both zero and one with some portion of zero and some portion of one. Due to do this uncertain possibility, your chance of losing shall increase. Whether you choose heads or tails, the outcome will still be there between both possibilities, just like a mixture of sand and rocks. Even though the portion of sand is very little in that mixture, you can’t say that it’s not there. This property of superposition empowers the mesmerizing concept of quantum computers.

 Just like the other technological transformations around the world, quantum computers have the potential to impact our lives in numerous ways including security and healthcare. They can be used to create private keys for encrypting messages from one location to another. It will not be possible to copy the unique an unbreakable key of quantum uncertainty. This functioning is already tested by some global companies and is connected to over 17 billion devices globally. Although it is still under research work, quantum computing is the future of our coming generations.

January 12, 2023

One Big Roller Coaster

 

The Evolution of Technology: From Stone Tools to Quantum Computing

Driverless vehicles, robots, cryptocurrency, and a lot more; technology has been delivering mind-blowing findings throughout the years. Since the 18th century, around the time when the industrial revolution started, tech never failed to wow us with countless discoveries and ways to make our lives easier. It brought about smart solutions even for our day-to-day challenges that we never pondered as solvable issues. Today, life without technology would not be functional or enjoyable for most of us. While some may suppose that tech causes more problems than it solves, one can not deny the fact that technology has become perpetually crucial in our lives.

There is evidence for the negative effects of its overuse, especially in our generation where just about everything is digital. The advancements and amusing internet contents keep us glued to our devices, be it scrolling through TikTok on our cell phone or watching Netflix on the TV, which we can do for hours without even realizing it. This can quickly become an addiction because excessive internet use has been shown to release dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ chemical, in the brain.

Despite all of this, from the simplest gadgets like a calculator or a rice cooker to highly advanced areas of study like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, almost everything around us is kept running by the strong arms of this compelling concept. Automobiles/cars, telephones, aircraft, robotics, the internet, the printing press, and our pivotal tool- a computer- are just a few of the appliances that are in favor of our productivity, and also, at times, failure. As much as how transformative it is, if misused, technology has the potential to be combative to our generation.
Made nearly two million years ago, stone tools are the first known technological invention. From there on, the light bulbs invented by Thomas Edison ignited the spark of modern innovations. We now have insane fields like Blockchain, Humanoid Robots, and Quantum computers in the digital sector.

Technology has overall become essential in our lives. It has transformed and elevated our lifestyle and general functioning. Here in Ethiopia, starting from the time when Emperor Menelik(||) first introduced telephones to the community, technology has played an important part in the lives of many. We now have emerging sectors like Information Technology, Advanced Robotics, and Biotechnology, which I believe shall construct strong railroads towards development.

What do you think a day without any sort of technology would look like?

 

November 24, 2022

One Big Roller Coaster

A Whole New World; Virtual Reality

VR is an abbreviation for Virtual Reality. As the name implies, it completely replaces reality with a computer-generated environment by taking over our vision. VR is a self-contained system in which users can create and experience a simulated (fictional) environment using advanced devices such as VR headsets and, in most cases, a pair of controllers. The VR goggles you put on play animations all around you in 360 degrees, as if you were standing in the scenario, allowing you to explore without limits! It is especially useful because users can customize it to simulate a specific environment for a specific purpose. VR does not necessitate a great deal of specialized knowledge; basic programming knowledge and a forward-thinking mindset are sufficient to capitalize on this field of technology.

My first experience with virtual reality was about three months ago when I went to the Guzo Technologies studio in Addis Ababa with my younger brother and his friend. It was a hilarious experience. I was terrified when I first put on the headset and found myself in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by purple and white walls! Then came the train ride game in the dark caves beneath massive mountains. I fought to stay balanced and avoid falling down as I traveled through the ups and downs of the destroyed railroads. I jumped around a lot, hunched over, and screamed a lot. How miserable I must have looked to those watching me from outside!

It wasn’t until I was introduced to the other applications of VR that I realized it wasn’t just for video games. I was completely wrong. I quickly discovered the wonders that this emerging technology is capable of delivering when I found myself in the middle of an unforgettable historical event, the Adwa battle, which is the reason I am able to exercise my own culture and speak my language today. I lived through history. I lived in liberty. All through the VR goggles’ screen.
VR, as a fully immersive and interactive technology, enables almost everything to be done virtually, from entertainment and shopping to healthcare, education, and even business. With all of these smart and connective features, Virtual Reality is ahead in the future.
Fun fact: There are an estimated 171 million VR users worldwide. As of 2022, the VR gaming industry has a market size of $12.13 billion.
I believe that in a few decades, VR will be an essential part of our lives, and everyone will become accustomed to using it out of necessity, if not desire.
What do you think virtual reality will bring to our future?

November 3, 2022

One Big Roller Coaster

Our World’s Future – Artificial Intelligence

We can all agree that the digital world is mysterious. It twists and turns unpredictably.
Imagine a world where all kinds of work are automated by artificial intelligence. Machines mimic human deeds to complete any task and robots become digital collaborators to the human race. It indeed sounds captivating, but at the same time, very dangerous. Not because AI will develop their own consciousness, start demanding freedom or scheme world domination like in the terminator movies, AIs today are not that advanced. They have the approximate computing power of an earthworm or even less! Yes, that’s right. The system doesn’t reflect the slightest human intelligence.

It sure can observe, identify, and make decisions though. The issue is, an AI does EXACTLY what we ask it to do. Hence, it is usually unable to function flexibly in different situations. Suppose you command a robot to move from your kitchen to the living room. The command you issued is now the goal, which is to get to the living room. It has no data on how to move or what to use to get there. It could crawl, use its arms to walk, or even build a tower and fall over to arrive at its destination! Technically, it is doing what it was ordered to do. Just not the right way. The same applies to other fields in which AI is used. This makes it easy to accidentally give it the wrong problem to solve. So, it is up to us to avoid complications and things going wrong. We have to set up the system to solve problems so that the AI performs what we requested.

Despite this, Artificial Intelligence is quite a vast field with fascinating applications. It is designed to imitate human intelligence in machines and robots. As the main driver of emerging technologies, AI is now used in healthcare, construction, factory work, and even police investigations. Its efficiency in several significant fields could benefit the global community to a great extent. We shall reduce human errors, welcome new inventions, ease workloads, create job opportunities, and reap all the other countless advantages of this technology. Only if we precisely understand its capabilities and the right way to communicate with it, of course.

Let me shoot a quick question for you to answer in the comments:
What kind of practical progress can we produce in OUR country with the power of advanced AI?

 

October 20, 2022

One Big Roller Coaster

What My Brief Journey in the STEM World Has Taught Me So Far

A computer is a crucial daily tool for the majority of the youth. however, this technology is yet alien to a good part of our community. Growing up in a country with one of the least digitally literate people in the world, pursuing technology has always been a daunting dream for most students in Ethiopia. This dream of ours, however, is a necessity. An ambition that we could never give up on, knowing what transformative impact it can put forward.

So much potential and ability, yet so little technology to bring it all out.  So many enthusiastic learners to change this bitter truth of our country, yet so few resources and opportunities to help them make it happen. So much fresh energy and motive, yet so little access. The need to invest in the forthcoming generation’s potential, especially in the STEM sector, is prominent. Being fortunate enough to find myself in this fascinating world of endless innovations has drastically improved my outlook on the sector and my community. I now believe that STEM has the power to change and empower communities like mine. Technology has the potential to illuminate the darkness of illiteracy residing in our country. Ethiopia has 60% of people under the age of 25 that could benefit from the ample education opportunities of STEM whilst contributing to the development of our nation, and beyond, continent. Observing how eager the youth community is to transform the country’s unfortunate reality into prosperity, I understand that I should also be responsible for the overhaul of Ethiopia’s technological sector and not just the government I continually blame. Besides, to have my contribution in this area of advancement brings pleasure like no other. My country’s promising future that I caught a glimpse through the vast window of STEM is worth struggling for.

October 6, 2022

One Big Roller Coaster

An Introduction

Writing, to me, is simply thinking through my fingers.
-Issac Asimov

I am Amrot, a passionate learner and tech enthusiast. I am the co-founder of a youth tech platform, Technoelpis. Currently, in the process of assisting technophile youth get one step closer to their ultimate careers, I am also molding myself into an incredibly industrious computer operator. I believe that my small journey in the STEM world as a high schooler who is incredibly enthralled by the overall functioning of the digital world is worth sharing. My unanticipated transformation from not being familiar with a single concept about computers to discovering the joy of exploring the vast digital world in just a year. It was like unfolding a whole new chapter of adventures to thrive through. And, indeed, One big roller coaster.

In my bi-weekly blogs, I will be discussing affairs regarding the tech world, mainly focusing on the digital industries of Africa and Ethiopia. In addition to that, I will be sharing some of my personal experiences and reflecting on my perspectives on different issues concerning STEM. My ultimate goal is to inspire my audience whilst proposing positive ideas and solutions to our current quandaries in regard to scientific Africa. I profoundly believe that this will be a space where I can bring my candid outlooks on various areas in relation to STEM and interact with my audience well to come up with tangible conclusions and better content every time.

Should you have any questions, suggestions, or specific topics you would like me to write about, do not hesitate to let me know in the comments.

Would you like to know more about me?

https://gmt.tzg.mybluehost.me/.website_4544bb84/women-in-stem-spotlight-amrot-abiyu/

Amrot Abiyu
August 16, 2022

Women in STEM Spotlight: Amrot Abiyu

I strongly believe in the power of hard work, for it is meant to enable us to achieve the unthinkable.
Let me introduce myself first. My name is Amrot Abiyu. Amrot is an Ethiopian high schooler living with her father and grandma in Addis, around Gulelle. She is a proud student of Nazareth School and the co-founder of Technoelpis- an association of young Ethiopian learners interested in the field of technology to share ideas/ experiences to help everyone discover and explore their ambitions through each other. We aim to influence people in a way that would change their lives for the better. She Carries a deep passion for sharing with others whatever type of knowledge and experience she comes across.
I have never in my entire life thought that there would be a single chance that I would get involved in the field of technology until last summer, when my amazing friend Nebus encouraged me to apply for a summer coding camp for high school students. I opposed at first. I didn’t like the idea and I thought the topic was not interesting at all because I didn’t have any understanding of the subject. That was until I got accepted and attended the program. In the process, I started falling in love with computer science. I found discovering the amusing complexions of programming delightful. Now that I think of it, it thought me that nothing but our way of thinking and perspectives stops us from exploring and enjoying our true selves. I wouldn’t have got the opportunity to discover my abilities and meet all those amazing people if I had decided not to apply just because I thought I wouldn’t make it.
Speaking of amazing people, I was lucky enough to make some great friends at the summer program, who are now my co-workers in the technology community we founded to make what we learned (programming/ computer science) accessible to every student. Technoelpis was founded by me and my four other colleagues in the January of 2022. We are now working on our virtual summer camp which consists of a coding course, self-development classes, and college application info sessions with student guests from top schools. From not knowing a single thing about computers to constructing a summer camp with over 50 students, it’s been quite a journey that wouldn’t have been true without the work and dedication of the team as well as our supporting members. I faced some challenges with some of the applicants for the program who were sometimes a bit ill-mannered and said unpleasant words or negative sentences on the comment sections of my Technoelpis social media posts. Despite these issues, I knew very well that what I am doing for myself as well as my community was much more than how a random individual tried to define it. I also had some difficulties managing my time at first, but now I can schedule everything and get my work done in a disciplined manner. I was able to understand that challenges were not there to stop me from accomplishing what I dream of or tear me down, but to shape me into the strong and hardworking young lady I aspire to become. Building this mindset helped me to focus on the numerous positive blessings I was granted and keep pushing forward.
I still have an extensive journey and countless experiences to live through. All that I am doing today wouldn’t have been true if it wasn’t for all the supportive and great people around me. I would very much like to thank every one of them.

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