[School stories] A cool escape to computer lab

Back in school, there was something magical about computer lab - the only air-conditioned room in our entire school building (Yes, I studied in a far off township school). The moment we step in the room after removing our shoes outside (this is true), it was like entering a different world—a cool, quiet oasis where noise of ceiling fans was replaced by hum of computers.

The lab wasn’t just about the AC that was such a relief from the burning heat outside, it was all about exploring. The room has chairs which had wheels (big thing for me at that time🫣). Me and my friends, with our wide-eyed curiosity, would sit down at the monitors (2 folks per monitor), eagerly launching MS Paint or Word on Windows XP. A few clicks, a few keystrokes, and voila, the screen would light up with our funny drawings and colorful texts and fonts, saving our work on CD-RW or in a folder with our name was something special. What’s more, Sliding on the chairs was even more special 🫠.

Those early days of exploring technology are still vivid, a reminder of simpler times when each small click on computer felt important. The computer lab was more than just a room; it was a place where I experienced pure joy of something new.

The sounds of CPU fan and dial up connections felt like music to my ears. Today, when I hear the familiar startup sound, it takes me back to those early days.

These memories are a nostalgic reminder of how far we’ve come and the simple pleasures of a time when everything felt new and exciting.

PS: I am a millennial