Division is only fun on a calculator

My Wednesday morning coffee:

While the act of interviewing can be fear and sweat inducing, one of my methods for overcoming the jitters is by asking many questions and imagining its a journalism assignment. So when I was asked to write a blog about my recent summer internship interview for Sun Microsystems, it not only made the process fun, but allowed me to really be on assignment.

So now you are lucky enough to get my authentic journalistic account of some of the excellent efforts that Sun's CSR team are putting forth. My first chat was with Larry Nelson, Director of Global Citizenship who among a plethora of accomplishments is on the Board of a great non-profit agency Curriki, whose name I shamefully butchered during my interview. Curriki is a community open source tool founded to provide free educational materials that are

created and improved by its users. Think.. a wikipedia for educational aids with a constantly improving curriculum. This service is helping bridge the educational divide. Curriki is no doubt bringing much happiness to teachers of grades K-12, who now have more tools readily available than just dusty old textbooks. The name is a combo of the words 'curriculum' and 'wiki'. Good trivia too for your next Balderdash evening.

My Thursday morning coffee:

My next interview was with Natalie Ajluni, Marketing Communications Manager, who used to hold the internship position I am applying for. From Natalie, I learned some more about the work that Sun is doing to close the digital divide. Sun operates in over 100 countries and offers a variety of programs to increase these communities' access to the network. Internet technology increases opportunities for participation, education and employment, which in turn can play a major role in solving global hunger. I didn't realize that in 2008, over 75% of the world's population is still without internet access. I know that an important component to this cause is peer education and participation. It is critical to get people on board in other cities, countries and of course in your own backyard.

My Thursday afternoon coffee:

In the spirit of participation, I asked some of my MBA colleagues at the University of San Francisco what their thoughts were regarding the digital divide.

Here is a short clip of it:

My Sunday morning coffee:

Their solutions range from free computers and mobile handsets to alternative power sources, along with the applicable education and training. Regardless of which approach to take and as much as this seems like a daunting task, it is in the best interest of us all to close this gap. More users on the network increase diversity, participation and collaboration that can improve all of our lives.

And with that, I'm off to read some of the 3,000 + Sun employee blogs and learn more about their musings and perspectives. Oh and I could use some more coffee.