I Am A Computer Geek - The Last Computer Maintenance Class

Eight years ago when talking about some minor issues we were having with our computer, our friend, Mary,  responded by saying, "You might be interested in visiting this computer class I attend.  It is an Adult Education class on computer maintenance. Some of the students are preparing to become technicians, but many of the students are just people who want to become more at ease working their computers." 

Though we were a bit hesitant, we decided to check it out...always go through an open door, right?  Thus began one of the longest relationships we have had with an instructor and a group of classmates.  That first night we walked into the classroom at Narbonne High School in Lomita, expecting to see a room full of kids, but what greeted our eyes was a roomful of mostly gray-haired retired people, predominantly former engineers, with their eyes aglow at the techy dialogue taking place.

The atmosphere was casual and friendly and it was obvious that these people knew each other well.

Holding court over this group was the instructor, Michael Ochoa.

Michael, we came to discover, was a diamond in the rough, a highly intelligent man, a gifted computer geek, and man with a heart as big as all outdoors.  It is not surprising that he was a recipient of the Teachers of Excellence Award in 2008 and 2011.  When people came to this class, they never went home.  Twice a week, on Mondays for lecture and on Wednesdays for lab, this group convened and learned the basics of computer maintenance and repair.  Over the years we have learned how to perform the basic tasks that will keep our computers running smoothly and have become familiar with various other electronic devices.  We know how to replace components, install DVD drives and additional memory, download and install various software and to solve simple situations.  If we ever had a computer problem, we could bring the computer in on a Wednesday Lab night and Michael would use it as an instructional demonstration as he repaired it for us on the spot!

We all try to capture the knowledge imparted and Jay has a huge looseleaf binder packed with 8 years of detailed notes.

The greatest benefit of this experience for me was that I discovered that I actually have an aptitude for computers.  I enjoyed troubleshooting a problem and often when Michael posed a question to the class, I actually gave the right answer. I have gained an enlarged view of who I am and what I can do and I have fun in the process.  The class has been another example to me of how beneficial it is to try something new and see where it takes you.

So it was with sadness that we saw this class come to an end.  It was not because of lack of interest.  The room was filled every night with students.  It was not because of lack of need.  People are more dependent on computers and other electronics more than ever before.  It is due to lack of funding.  School budgets have been so drastically reduced that it is the line-items considered "non-essentials," like vocational training in adult evening classes, that are the first to go.

This class has been such a benefit to all of us. Many of the members, like Anita and Marion are now able to do computer maintenance and repair on systems belonging to family members and friends. Others in the class, like Roger and I,  have gone on to even teach computer classes to other seniors in Learning-in-Retirement Programs.  We will miss the class and the people.  We will miss Julian bringing in his huge container of salted peanuts to share as well as all the current Fry's Electronic Ads often even providing personal delivery service when members ask him to purchase items for them!

We will miss Mary bringing in her old clip art and components for recycling.

We will miss the steady presence of George and his sensible questions and great sense of humor.

Where will everyone go on Monday and Wednesday evenings?  Michael says all we need is a room with an electric power plug to have a class.  Who knows.....  In the meantime, I can proudly say I am a not intimidated by any remote control and maybe, just maybe, I am also a computer geek!

Thank you, Michael!