Oprah Winfrey, one of my personal idols, is touted as being a jack of all trades—a former talk show host, actress, producer and a person dedicated to giving back to the community. Her show, aptly named “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” ran from 1986 to 2011 and she has been highlighted as the wealthiest African American of the 20th century by Forbes in addition to the Most Influential Person for the second consecutive year.
For somebody who seems to be good at whatever she tries, would you believe it if I told you that the”big O” herself has revealed that she lacks key skills in regards to both technology and math?
"I am confident in most things that don't require mathematical or technological skills. In those areas, I'm not just challenged — I'm functionally illiterate. I have actually had to call for help to get my TV turned on. (Input, schminput.)," Winfrey stated on the What I Know For Sure page.
Image via Grace University
It’s safe to say though where she is lacking in some areas, she makes up for two-fold in others. She added, "On the other hand, when it comes to matters of the heart, emotion, connection, and speaking in front of large audiences, I thrive. A genuine vibrational thing happens between me and whoever I'm engaged with: I can feel them and sense that they are vibing right back with me."
However, in a time in history in which technology is everywhere you turn, it is safe to say that the woman who played the character of Sofia in the drama “The Color Purple” wouldn’t likely survive in the current day and age; that is of course, if she couldn’t afford to pay the army who can meet her every technologically need with a snap.
A recent article commented, “Being technology illiterate would mean that you use a portapottie or manual outhouse instead of an indoor toilet; you cook using a fire or a coal grill; and you walk to work. This particular scenario would probably mean you live in the woods or act as a caveman.”
So, how can someone who may not even know how to work the remote transition into a tech connoisseur? Here are some helpful tips:
1. Read TMCnet each and every day
Raking in over 3.5 million readers all over the world each and every month, TMCnet is the go-to source for any technological-related question you may have burning a hole in your brain. It covers a variety of topics ranging from green environmentally healthy products and solutions to VoIP, call centers and much, much more. Every piece featured on the website is informative while remaining easy-to-read, assisting even the biggest novice in being able to act like they actually know what they are talking about.
2. Take a class
If one thing is true, it is the fact that you are never too old for school. Taking courses related to emerging technology-based trends can help keep you in the know about what is going on right now while also expanding your skill set. This in turn can make you a better rounded individual as a whole, in addition to helping you remain abreast about the ways in which the world is changing.
3. Continuously converse with peers, friends and family
In some situations, you will likely only be informed about certain things when speaking to your peers. Instead of discussing what your favorite celebrity wore at last night’s award show, dig a little deeper and maybe get into a debate about how mobility is completely reshaping global workforces.
No matter your method of madness to staying up on technology, I am certain that this information will come in handy one way or another.
Edited by Allison Boccamazzo
