My mom bought a computer in the '80s to do accounting, and she was so smart at computers that we spent all our time with them. My childhood was sitting on the floor of her office and figuring out how to program with my mom.

In this quote, Brianna Wu reflects on her early experiences with computers and how they shaped her childhood. She shares that her mom purchased a computer in the 1980s for the purpose of doing accounting, but what began as a tool for work quickly became a source of learning and exploration for both of them. Wu highlights her mother's intelligence and comfort with technology, which allowed her to embrace and teach her daughter how to engage with the computer, sparking Wu's interest in programming.

Wu’s mention of spending time in her mom's office illustrates the strong connection between the two as they navigated the world of technology together. The experience of sitting on the floor and figuring out how to program is a memory that emphasizes both the closeness of their relationship and the importance of hands-on learning. It suggests that Wu’s early exposure to programming and technology was a deeply personal and formative experience that influenced her career and interests.

This early interaction with computers also reflects the broader technological shift happening in the 1980s, as personal computers became more accessible to the public and began to influence many aspects of life. The quote highlights how a simple family activity, like learning to use a computer, can lead to a lifelong passion for technology and problem-solving.

Ultimately, Wu’s statement underscores the importance of family influence and early exposure to technology in shaping her future. It also reflects how computers and programming became not just a tool for work but a bonding experience that set the foundation for her career in the tech industry.