The Dream:
In 2017, as a curious teenager curled up on my couch, I stumbled upon a video on YouTube titled “Top 10 Smart Glasses.” Little did I know that this serendipitous moment would set the stage for a remarkable journey into the world of mixed reality and augmented reality. The video showcased various futuristic technologies, but it was one particular device that captured my imagination—the Microsoft HoloLens. As I watched the trailer showcasing the HoloLens, I was instantly captivated by the possibilities it presented. The idea of seamlessly blending the digital world with the real one was nothing short of awe-inspiring. I knew right then that I had to get my hands on a HoloLens. But, there was a significant hurdle in my path—the price tag, a hefty four thousand Canadian dollars.
The Plan To Achieve My Dream:
01
Gofundme
Determined to turn my dream into reality, I embarked on an ambitious journey. I started a GoFundMe campaign to raise the funds needed to purchase the HoloLens.
02
Advertising
With unwavering passion and relentless effort, I reached out to friends, family, and even strangers who believed in my vision. I made a YouTube video to try and get the word out.
03
work
Unfortunately I was too young to get a job. I decided to instead take on extra chores to receive a bigger allowance contributing to my fund.
An Unexpected Turn Of Events
As my GoFundMe campaign approached its goal, something unexpected and incredible happened. Microsoft reached out to me. They were intrigued by my campaign and wanted to invite me to their office. The prospect of visiting the heart of innovation was surreal, and I eagerly accepted their invitation.
The Microsoft Experience: Stepping into the Microsoft office was a dream come true. I was given an exclusive tour, allowing me to witness firsthand the cutting-edge technologies and brilliant minds behind them. But the most astonishing part was yet to come—Microsoft offered to lend me a demo HoloLens, granting me a glimpse into the world of mixed reality for the first time.
Months of Exploration: For the next six months, I was the proud custodian of a HoloLens from Microsoft’s office. This remarkable opportunity allowed me to immerse myself in the world of augmented reality. Under the age of 14, I embarked on a journey of exploration and innovation that would shape my future. During this time, I developed several prototype apps, including my Run VR game, a block invasion game, and a 3D demo viewer.
The New Horizon: Eventually, my time with the demo HoloLens came to an end, but not before Microsoft shared a valuable piece of advice. They encouraged me not to spend my hard-earned GoFundMe money on the current HoloLens model, as a new and improved version was on the horizon.
The Journey Continues: My experience with Microsoft’s HoloLens 1 opened my eyes to the incredible potential of virtual and augmented reality. It sparked a passion for innovation and technology that has stayed with me to this day. While my journey began with a dream of owning a HoloLens, it transformed into a journey of self-discovery and exploration within the world of mixed reality.
My journey with Microsoft’s HoloLens 1 is a testament to the power of determination, passion, and unexpected opportunities. It’s a story of how a teenager’s dream turned into a transformative experience, one that ignited a lifelong fascination with virtual and augmented reality. Today, I continue to explore the boundaries of technology, driven by the belief that with determination and innovation, dreams can indeed become a reality.