Was inspired to take up programming by a community college teacher. I attended his lectures 8 years back. He kept insisting we learn how to program our TI calculators and said programming was a vital skill. I was scared of breaking my laptop if I downloaded software. Downloaded R as a result of the confidence I felt from the success with the TI. Went on to do a second masters focusing on data. From a math class for kicks to a career change! All thanks to the inspiration from a community college teacher.