TECHNOLOGY AS A LIFESTYLE
As the technology industry expands with each passing year, having an understanding of smartphones and computers is quickly becoming an essential life skill. For Isaac Clausen, technology is more than a life skill: it’s a lifestyle. Clausen’s passion for technology started at a young age and has been a key interest throughout his life.
Clausen first became interested in technology and computers because of his grandfather, who was big into Apple computers. In fact, one of Clausen’s favorite pastimes growing up was experimenting with computers.
“When I was in elementary school, we had some old computers lying around,” Clausen said. “I loved to tinker with them to get something to show up on the screen. I remember getting Windows 95 running on an old computer with a trackball and being so proud that I had my ‘own computer,’ even though all it could really do was play solitaire.”
Clausen loves that he can use technology to serve God and other people. He frequently offers his technology expertise to retirees and the elderly, a task which he finds extremely rewarding.
“One time, I was helping an octogenarian gentleman with his iPad,” Clausen said. “When I told him it was possible to listen to most of the world’s music online, he became so enthused about it we immediately set up Spotify together. He was able to listen to a song that he played in high school band that he hadn’t heard in over 50 years. The joy it brought him was very rewarding.”
Once Clausen came to Northwestern, he became actively involved with the AV department, working with computers and other technology on campus. He also made his own major in order to pursue technology as a career. He started as a computer information systems major, but it wasn’t quite what he was looking for.
“I wanted a major that would provide useful tools in the creation and management of projects that depend heavily upon a knowledge of technology,” Clausen said. “I decided to switch majors, but I couldn’t find the right one to switch to. Eventually, after a lot of prayer and research, I heard about something called a student initiated major and looked into that.”
Clausen has used the computer information systems major as a basis for his student initiated major, replacing some classes and taking directed studies to cover what NW didn’t have courses for.
“I have taken every creative technology course, such as video production and graphic design, along with some foundational computer science courses,” Clausen said. “It has been a perfect fit as a major where I get to pursue one of my passions.”
Clausen hopes to continue to follow his passion after college, creating his own technology projects and providing technical support to others.
“I would love to continue to help those who are advanced in years and show them the possibilities of the gizmos that they see on TV,” Clausen said. “I also will continue to make things that make life more fun for people. I would love to continue to serve God with my passion for technology by serving others.”
