# Emacs as a Highschooler: How It Changed My Life
Pierce Wang

Could Emacs be humanity's solution to the turbulent years of
adolescence?  So much more than a text editor, Emacs changed the way I
approach everything at the age of 15.  In the two years since
discovering Emacs in my sophomore year of high school, I have been
constantly amazed at what Emacs is capable of.  In this talk, I would
like to share this journey of discovery and what I've learned along
the way, beginning with what led me to Emacs.  I will reflect on my
experience of the Emacs learning curve and then also talk about the
many ways that Emacs has shaped my life as a student, programmer,
violinist, and a productive and happy adolescent.  In each case, I
have thoroughly enjoyed figuring out the best way to make Emacs work
for me.  Finally, I will reflect on my journey thus far and briefly
talk about my plans for the future.