The tech industry often has a traditional career path in mind, but many people's journey into tech is more human and varied. Origin stories range from playing with Neopets to fixing TI-83 calculators, showcasing the diverse paths that led individuals to develop careers in tech. Some, like Kay-Kay Clapp, developed a "waste not, want not" attitude from their upbringing, while others, such as Katie Redderson-Lear, relied on troubleshooting skills learned through using Linux. Many people's entry into tech began with basic programming or web development skills gained from editing social media sites like MySpace and Xanga, or even just messing around with settings. These stories highlight the importance of curiosity and finding something that interests you, rather than following a traditional career path.