Before I landed in Silicon Valley I quickly became aware that the upcoming experience would change the way I think and live my life for the future. My entrepreneurship professor nominated me for the trip after I helped develop a curriculum for students interested in creating startup companies.

I have travelled internationally to Canada and Guyana but domestically never as far west as California. On the plane I was lucky to be sitting next to Idaho State Representative Merrill Beyeler who knew little about my institution Howard University and even less about tech startups. As I expressed how important it was for me to learn more about the tech industry, I noticed how passionately I made my point. I consciously tried to inspire him through my story. I knew if I could affect his perception, I could make real strides at establishing a future career in technology.

Read more of Nigel Van Gronigen's blog: http://blogs.att.net/consumerblog/story/a7799632