It’s never been more clear that Tech and San Francisco are a great match. We don’t have time for political games and old-world politics. We need the fresh energy, ideas, and passion from tech to help solve our crises and start shaping our future.

Growing up, I always loved computers. From our original Macintosh in the ‘80s, I was excited to come home every day from school to draw, to create, and to interact. Technology was my escape, my outlet, and it became my passion.

When I chose a college, I decided against a technology-focused program and instead found a small liberal arts college in southern Minnesota. After studying linguistics, psychology, media, and art, I found technology was a tool that could augment all of these pursuits. I fell in love with the intersection of technology and the liberal arts.

I moved to California in 2003. A good friend grew up in the Bay Area and needed a fourth roommate. I had no job and no prospects, so I packed my bags and a week later found myself in California, with almost no expectations. I could barely afford the rent (which today feels absurdly low), but I was determined to find a path. After a number of months, I landed a part-time job working retail in downtown San Francisco. While selling products was hardly my skill, it was income, I found a community, and I fell in love with San Francisco.

Melt Cafe in North Beach

My part-time job gave me full opportunity to truly enjoy the city. Despite making barely as much income as I paid in rent, San Francisco welcomed me with open arms. Spending time in Golden Gate park, sitting at a cafe for hours writing, riding Muni to every neighborhood I could find. I discovered a welcoming, diverse community of people. I could stay up all night debating politics, cook dinner with friends discussing environmental justice, get beers at Toronado and argue about physics. The breadth and passion of San Franciscans seemed endless. There was a renaissance spirit in the air; the people I met strived to work with as much purpose as possible, but enjoy life even more. I’d never been exposed to so many outward-focused people in my life, people who pushed the envelope of change.

After a year in retail, I landed my dream job: a designer at Apple. Wide-eyed and devoted to my craft, I gave the job my everything. Long nights, weekends, you name it.

There were no tech shuttles, no Ubers, and no iPhones. I blasted music from CDs in my 1994 Dodge Neon to make the 50 minute drive down the peninsula a little more bearable. Most of my coworkers lived in the South Bay and would often ask why I lived in San Francisco, despite the cost and the commute.

“San Francisco feels like a home,” I replied. “It feels like my home.”