#thomas suarez

*Author’s note: This list is not based on books published in 2024, but rather the books I personally read in 2024. Some, but not all of them, were brand new releases this year; and some were published decades ago. This was a reading year full of nonfiction–lots and lots of great antifascist, anarchist nonfiction. Maybe that’s not surprising, given I joined a local Progressive Book Club that…

Hace unos días, me tocó poner atención a una conversación entre dos personas y yo. El tema central era: "me acuerdo cuando yo era niño, yo jugaba, brincaba y me raspaba. Hoy los niños tienen ipads, ipods y algunos iPhone's". Es cierto que la tecnología nos a rebasado a los que estamos cercas de los 30's, y también es cierto que nos encanta y queremos estar a la vanguardia, pero seamos sinceros, no nacimos con un iPad en la mano, pero la nueva generación si. 

Existe toda una generación que ya esta aquí haciendo apps a los 12 años de edad, y un ejemplo es Thomas Suarez. Un niño de 14 años de edad, que desarrolla apps para iOS. ¿Impresionante? Si, pero es más impresionante lo que tiene que decir al respecto de los niños de hoy y cuál puede ser el futuro de la tecnología, si esos niños traducen su inquietud en un aplicación.

Este video explica lo que hace y cómo lo hace, interesante.

What I find most impressive about this kid isn't the fact that he started programming and creating apps at such a young age, it's the composure, confidence and competence he displays in telling his story in front of a large audience.

12 Years old and Slaying the Audience!

When I was 12 years old, the thought of getting up in front of ANYONE to say ANYTHING was tantamount to the biggest terror I could imagine.  

First of all, I was always being mistaken for a girl.  

Literally, I would go into stores and the clerks would say "Can I help you miss?"

OK, the long hair wasn't helping my case, but short hair was definitely not cool either. Add to that my high voice (I thought it would NEVER change), and I became extremely self-conscious when I walked into a room throughout the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.

Despite my particular neuroses, I'm sure my feelings of insecurity are not uncommon in that age group. That's why I'm particularly impressed with Thomas Suarez, a 12 year old app student who gave a TED talk earlier this year and slayed the audience!

Check this kid out - he's amazing.  

He's passionate - Sure there's a slight stumble here and there, but what really shines through is that he's talking about something that he LOVES, and is thrilled to share it - the secret to all great presentations.

Great pacing - he's taking his time and giving the audience time to respond throughout.

Humor - He's funny - He created a Justin Bieber wack-a-mole app!

Conversational - You feel like you're having a conversation with him - not being lectured to. A MUST for any great presentation.

TED talk: Thomas Suarez, 12 year old and app developer.

WHAT THE HECK!?!?!?! He's twelve.  And incredibly well spoken.