Some schools give you an education. Some schools give you something much more valuable. They help shape the person you become.
For me, La Salle College was that school.
I graduated from La Salle College in 1964. That was a long time ago. More than six decades have passed, and I have accumulated plenty of memories, some pleasant, some difficult, and some that still make me smile.
Looking back, I realise that my years at La Salle were much more important than I understood at the time.
A young boy with a future ahead of him
When I was a student, I wasn't thinking about how my education would influence the next sixty years of my life. Like most boys, I was busy with schoolwork, friendships, activities and the everyday concerns of growing up.
I certainly didn't imagine that one day I would be looking back at those school years as one of the important turning points in my life.
La Salle gave me an educational foundation. But it also helped me develop confidence, discipline and a sense of responsibility.
It introduced me to friendships that would last for decades. Some of my schoolmates became lifelong friends. Even today, those connections remain precious to me.
One of them is John, my good friend since Form One. We have shared so many experiences over the years. It is remarkable how a friendship that began in a classroom can continue throughout a lifetime.
From the classroom to the working world
After graduating in 1964, I entered the working world.
My career took me through several pharmaceutical companies, including Abbott, Squibb and Ciba. I had opportunities to work in sales, product management, logistics and personnel administration.
Life was not always easy. There were challenges, changes, disappointments and unexpected opportunities.
I met people who influenced my career and people who gave me a helping hand when I needed one.
Looking back, I can see how the foundation I received at La Salle helped me face these different stages of my working life.
Of course, a school cannot prepare you for everything. Life itself is a demanding teacher. But a good education gives you somewhere to start.
At 80, I am still a student
Here comes the interesting part.
I am now 80 years old.
Many people might think that by this age, learning should have come to an end. Perhaps it is time to slow down, enjoy retirement and leave the complicated things to younger generations.
I have nothing against retirement. I enjoy my coffee outings with Julie, playing ping pong, spending time with family and grandchildren, and remembering the good old days.
But I have discovered something unexpected.
I still enjoy learning!
Recently, I became increasingly interested in artificial intelligence. I started experimenting with ChatGPT, asking questions, writing articles and exploring what AI could do.
Before long, I was using AI to help develop my website, AI123.ca, and document my experiences on Grandpa Journey.
I am certainly not a technology expert. I make mistakes, sometimes get confused, and occasionally need to ask the same question more than once.
But that is perfectly fine.
I have learned that the best way to understand AI is not simply to read about it. It is to start using it.
My AI learning journey has become another classroom, except that this time I have an AI companion sitting beside me.
There are no examinations, no report cards and no graduation ceremony. I learn at my own pace.
Two schools, two different stages of life
Sometimes I think about the connection between La Salle College and AI123.ca.
La Salle helped prepare a young man for the working world.
AI123.ca is helping an 80-year-old man explore a new world of technology.
The circumstances are very different, but the spirit of learning is much the same.
I am also discovering that learning is more enjoyable when it is shared. Through my writing, I hope to encourage other seniors who may feel that artificial intelligence is too complicated or that technology belongs only to younger people.
It doesn't.
If I can learn to use AI at 80, perhaps others can give it a try too.
My blogging projects also have a small social purpose. Any income they generate is intended to be donated to charitable organisations. It would be nice if something I enjoy doing could also benefit someone else.
Looking back, and looking forward
I owe La Salle College a great deal.
It was one of the institutions that helped shape my life. I am grateful for the teachers, classmates, friendships and opportunities that came with those school years.
But I don't want to spend all my time looking backwards.
There are still things to discover, stories to write and experiences to enjoy.
I have a family, grandchildren, old friends and new interests. I have a memoir to complete and two blogging projects to develop.
At 80, I may not learn as quickly as I did when I was young. I may need more coffee breaks and occasional naps!
But I am still curious.
And that, I think, is what matters.
La Salle College changed my life. More than sixty years later, I am still learning.
Perhaps the best lesson I ever received from my school was not simply how to prepare for life, but how to keep learning throughout life.
Thank you, La Salle.
And thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey.
David Au
Enjoyed Grandpa's story? ☕☕☕Buy Grandpa a coffee and keep the stories coming.
A Little Advertising. A Little Friendship. A Lot of Heart.