For Gabby Herlocher, it all started because of a red scooter.
Gabby was 10 years-old when she and her mother were driving in a car and her mother shared a story that she had just heard on the news about how workers at Google had red scooters that they could ride around during the day.
That sealed it for Gabby.
She started reading about Google and what they did.
She started what is now nearly a 10-year mission to educate herself about technology.
In middle school, she started taking high school classes and tinkering with programming and building computers. In high school, she began taking college courses.
And now, as an 18 year-old freshman at the University of Cincinnati, she already has an associate’s degree in programming and web development; and she’s well on her way to knocking out her bachelor’s degree in software development.
All the while, she’s mindful of the fact that her story is not normal.
“I realize that there’s so many others who don’t have opportunities to learn and engage in technology the way that I did,” she said.
And that’s what is driving her now.
She wants other students to have opportunities like she had.
Her recent internship at AI Owl has further crystallized her passion. Starting as an AI researcher, she quickly became involved in developing an educational game called Jumper, designed to teach high school students about artificial intelligence through interactive historical scenarios.
Gabby's perspective on technology - particularly AI - is optimistic. Where many see potential risks, she sees transformative opportunities. "AI has a lot more benefits than cons," she argues, highlighting potential applications like personalized AI tutors that could revolutionize education.
Her vision extends beyond personal achievement. She sees technology, especially AI, as a powerful tool for economic revitalization in communities facing economic challenges. "AI can help businesses forecast their potential, create expansion plans, and generate new ideas," she explains.
For Gabby, technology isn't just a career path - it's a means of creating opportunities for others.
As she continues her journey, one thing is certain: that red scooter sure has some fast wheels.
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