Jimmy Miller reflects on his upbringing, marked by financial struggles and family challenges. Despite growing up in a relatively poor environment, he had access to basic necessities like a roof over his head, clean water, electricity, a computer, and the internet. However, food was often scarce, especially after his mother left to marry her uncle and his father dealt with schizophrenia. At the age of 12, he was given a limited weekly allowance for food, which made it difficult to sustain himself, particularly during the summer months when school lunches were unavailable. Miller recounts a pivotal moment when he ventured out alone to buy groceries for the first time, despite the snow and his lack of proper clothing. This experience marked the beginning of his newfound independence. His cooking skills were minimal, leading him to rely on inexpensive meals like ramen and Velveeta cheese. He often splurged on burritos and fries from local restaurants, which provided a sense of satisfaction amidst his struggles. The turning point in Miller's life came with his introduction to computers. His brother salvaged a computer from a dumpster, which became a gateway for Miller. Initially, he faced challenges in setting it up, particularly with the operating system and internet connectivity. However, through persistence and a willingness to learn, he discovered Linux and eventually got his computer working. This sparked a passion for technology, leading him to spend countless hours exploring programming, building projects, and engaging with online communities. Miller expresses gratitude for the kindness of strangers who contributed to his education and growth. He acknowledges that many of the resources he relied on—tutorials, open-source software, and tech blogs—were created by individuals who had no idea of the impact they would have on his life. These contributions provided him with the skills and confidence to rise above his circumstances and pursue a better future. He emphasizes the importance of openness and sharing in the tech community, recognizing that many of those who helped him were not famous or successful in traditional terms. Their willingness to share their knowledge and experiences, regardless of their motivations, played a crucial role in shaping his life. Miller concludes with heartfelt thanks to those who contributed to his journey, acknowledging that even the smallest acts of sharing can have a profound impact on someone else's life.

Jimmy Miller reflects on his upbringing, marked by financial struggles and family challenges. Despite growing up in a relatively poor environment, he had access to basic necessities like a roof over his head, clean water, electricity, a computer, and the internet. However, food was often scarce, especially after his mother left to marry her uncle and his father dealt with schizophrenia. At the age of 12, he was given a limited weekly allowance for food, which made it difficult to sustain himself, particularly during the summer months when school lunches were unavailable. Miller recounts a pivotal moment when he ventured out alone to buy groceries for the first time, despite the snow and his lack of proper clothing. This experience marked the beginning of his newfound independence. His cooking skills were minimal, leading him to rely on inexpensive meals like ramen and Velveeta cheese. He often splurged on burritos and fries from local restaurants, which provided a sense of satisfaction amidst his struggles. The turning point in Miller's life came when he discovered computers. His brother brought home a discarded computer, which became a gateway for Miller to explore the digital world. Initially, he faced challenges in getting the computer to work, particularly with installing Linux and configuring a wireless card. However, through persistence and online research, he overcame these obstacles, igniting a passion for technology. Miller describes how the internet became an escape from his difficult reality. He spent countless hours learning and experimenting with programming, engaging with online communities, and tackling various projects. This self-directed learning was instrumental in shaping his skills and confidence, ultimately leading him to a better life. He expresses gratitude for the countless strangers whose work and resources contributed to his education. These individuals, often unknown to him, shared their knowledge through tutorials, open-source software, and tech blogs, which became the foundation of his learning. Miller acknowledges that these contributions, regardless of the creators' intentions or success, profoundly impacted his life. In closing, he emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and resources openly. The kindness of those who freely shared their work not only helped him escape poverty but also inspired him to pursue a fulfilling career. Miller's story is a testament to the transformative power of the internet and the generosity of individuals who contribute to the collective knowledge of the world.