vmexplorer

Preserving the Legacy of Gaming and Inspiring Future Engineers: My VMware Anniversary Celebration

Posted on August 3, 2023 Updated on September 11, 2023

A few weeks ago, I celebrated my remarkable 12-year journey with VMware, a company that truly values its employees and their passions. To commemorate this milestone, VMware generously offered to donate ~$3K USD to a non-profit of my choice and granted me two weeks of respite. After some consideration, I decided to direct the donation to the Pinball Hall of Fame Museum in Las Vegas. Beyond merely contributing to a unique and exciting attraction, my decision was fueled by a profound belief in preserving arcade games for future generations of IT engineers.

Why did I choose to preserve video games and support the Pinball Hall of Fame?

1. The Pinball Hall of Fame A Beacon of Community Support: The Pinball Hall of Fame Museum is not just an ordinary arcade; it stands as a testament to the power of giving back to the community. A significant factor in my decision to support this establishment was its admirable mission of using its profits to reinvest in the local community. Knowing that my donation would directly contribute to the betterment of Las Vegas was incredibly fulfilling.
2. Preserving the Past to Inspire the Future: Growing up in the 80s, I experienced an unforgettable event that profoundly influenced my career path. While playing Space Invaders on an Atari 2600, a simple question from my mother sparked an insatiable curiosity about computers and electronics. Her question was, “I wonder how they know when to shoot when you are under them.” From that moment on, my passion for technology became the driving force behind my education and career decisions. My story, though unique to me, resonates with countless IT professionals who also found their calling through the love of gaming.
3. Arcade and Pinball Games: These games are more than entertainment. To me they are catalysts for aspiring engineers. Arcade and pinball games have served as unexpected gateways into the world of technology for many professionals like myself. It is awe-inspiring to discover the multitude of individuals in the IT industry who share similar stories of finding their passion through gaming. Supporting the Pinball Hall of Fame is not merely a gesture of nostalgia; it is a dedication to nurturing the next generation of engineers who may experience their own transformative moments within those vibrant halls.
4. Volunteering for a Greater Cause: As part of my anniversary celebration, I chose to dedicate my 2 week respite by volunteering at the Pinball Hall of Fame Museum. Not only is this a wonderful opportunity to give back to the Las Vegas community, but it also allows me to witness firsthand how this extraordinary place continues to inspire young minds. By volunteering, I hope to contribute to the nurturing environment that fosters the technological geniuses of tomorrow.

My 12-year anniversary with VMware will be an opportunity to reflect on my journey and appreciate the pivotal role that arcade games played in shaping my life. Choosing to support the Pinball Hall of Fame Museum through VMware’s generous donation and volunteering is a way to give back to a community-focused organization and inspire future engineers to embrace their passions fearlessly. Let us continue to preserve the legacy of gaming and kindle the spark of curiosity in generations to come.