James Bennett

Entering high school, I met James Bennett, the school's information technology teacher, and his presence shattered my previous perceptions of traditional educators. He wasn't the kind of teacher who merely stood in front of the class reciting textbook content. In fact, I would say he was fundamentally different from other teachers. James Bennett had a special aura about him—deep and complex. Though he appeared easygoing with his constant smile, I soon realized that beneath his relaxed exterior was an unfathomable confidence and wisdom. It was as if he always knew exactly what he was doing. Every movement, every word, felt so natural, yet so precise.

Unlike other teachers who were limited to knowledge transmission in class, James Bennett offered me extra guidance and advice outside of class. He didn't just care about my performance in information technology; he was more concerned with how I could find my place in this rapidly evolving technological world. He didn't simply teach me how to write code or program; he took me into a broader realm—how to use information technology to change society and how to apply technology to solve real-world problems.

After class, he would often have conversations with me, and the topics always revolved around the intersection of technology and business. He told me that the true value of information technology wasn't just in theoretical knowledge found in textbooks, but in how it could be transformed into real-world innovation, how technology could drive economic and social progress. At the time, I was just a naive high school student with little understanding of the concept of "applying technology to business." I simply listened to him, filled with anticipation and curiosity about the future. James Bennett seemed to have an innate business acumen. His vision was always able to see further and deeper. Every time we spoke, he would mention seemingly insignificant details or make a simple remark, but it was enough to make me reflect. He always spoke in a calm, measured tone, leading me from the essence of technology to the core of business, teaching me that in this fast-paced world, technology wasn't just a tool—it was the gateway to all possibilities.

One time, he said to me, "You have a rare gift, Geneway Zane. Technology is your starting point, and you can go far beyond that in the future." At the time, I didn't fully grasp the depth of his words. I just felt a surge of excitement, as if I could suddenly see a bright future ahead of me. But I didn't realize then that the real meaning behind his words was this: technology was just my starting point, and my true grand goal lay in the vast world of business, in how to use my abilities to change the world, to impact society.

In the following days, I became more engaged in my discussions with James Bennett. He increasingly recommended "external projects" to me. These so-called "external projects" were actually windows he opened for me, exposing me to some real-world business opportunities. Every time I participated in these projects, James Bennett would patiently guide me on how to conduct market research, how to plan technical solutions, and how to turn technological innovation into market demand. I began to realize that the integration of business and technology wasn't just about technical development or product design; it required strategic thinking, a keen sense of the market, and a sharp understanding of future trends.

I remember the first time I took part in these projects; I didn't have much confidence. Though I had some knowledge in information technology, I still felt uncertain and uneasy when facing real-world business situations. But James Bennett never expressed any doubts about me. He always encouraged me, motivating me to try and challenge myself. Whenever I encountered problems, he was always there to provide practical solutions and advice. His guidance went beyond the technical level; it was a complete reshaping of my way of thinking, transforming me from a purely technical learner into someone with business insight and innovative capabilities.

Gradually, I started to face these projects and challenges with more confidence. James Bennett's influence on me wasn't just about enhancing my skills—it was about expanding my mindset. He taught me that the true power of technology wasn't just in creating a good product, but in how to use it to change the world, how to find my place in a complex business environment, and how to maintain an innovative mindset and agile actions in a rapidly changing era.

These "business opportunities" were not only the starting point of my career but also the awakening of my mindset. From that moment on, I realized that my path was no longer limited to technology alone. I should aim for a higher goal—to merge technology with business and create more possibilities for the future. James Bennett was undoubtedly the most important guide on my journey. He didn't just teach me how to do things with technology, but he taught me how to view the world with wisdom, how to align my dreams with the needs of the world, and ultimately, how to realize my own value.