Bill Gates

Bill Gates (http://www.buzzreactor.com/sites/default/files/Bill-Gates1.jpg)

Bill Gates

"More than three-quarters (77 percent) of all American households had a computer at home in 2010" (Economics and Statistics Administration). This would not be possible without the lifework of one man, Bill Gates, who greatly contributed to the world as we see it today. William Henry Gates III was born in Seattle, Washington, on October 28, 1955. He grew up in an upper class family, where his mother was a teacher and his father was a partner of one of the largest Seattle law firms. His parents always held high expectations for him, hoping he would follow in their footsteps. From an early age, Gates' love for computers and technology was visible. At age thirteen, the private school Lake Side Elementary raised money for a part time use of a computer. He was given the rare opportunity to work with this computer due to his excellence in math class. Through the use of the Lake Side computer, at age fifteen, Gates already created his first profitable computer program. The program was called "Traf-O-Data"(Boyd, Aaron), which was used to take data from Seattle's traffic systems. He worked on this project with his good friend, Paul Allen, who later would become a significant face of Gates' business, Microsoft. As William grew older there was no doubt in any one's mind that he would be successful. However, Gates is more than just successful, he is a hero. A hero must be a strong, powerful leader that can take any opportunity and exceed expectations. Bill Gates can very well be considered a hero due to his authoritative leadership, global impact and charitable help.

Even from a young age, Gates has taken the initiative to spark a fire where something lacks. This determination has led him to be a great and impactful leader. After the launch of his new billion dollar business Microsoft, Gates natural leadership is seen when: "Gates' acumen for not only software development but also business operations put him in the position of leading the company and working as its spokesperson" (Bill Gates Biography). Gates became the face and voice of the company because of his natural leadership and management. He not only had the brains to shape and create a concept that could revolutionize the world, but took leadership of this new company knowing that his natural determination would make the future of the business strong. This is further proven when Bill stepped off of his position of the company CEO in order to focus his time in better things: "He positioned himself as chief software architect so he could concentrate on what was for him the more passionate side of the business. He still remains chairman of the board. Over the next few years, his involvement with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation occupied much of his time and even more of his interest" (Bill Gates Biography). As he stepped away from the company to do greater things in many lives around the world he created a steady balance of leadership over his business and his charity. While still in control of his leadership over his company, Gates shifted his focus into becoming a global figure of leadership around the world. Gates desired to become a leader and symbol of more than just business. His determination was powered by his aspiration to be like his mother: "Gates took an interest in filling his mother's role as a civic leader. He began to realize that he had an obligation to give more of his wealth to charity. Being the consummate student he was, Gates studied the philanthropic work" (Bill Gates Biography). Bill knew there was more to life than just being the richest man alive. He became an icon for more than just wealth by his determination to change the world for the better. Gates later went on to start a charity called The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which made a long lasting scar for the better of society.  Bill Gates is a natural born leader in the business world by becoming the face of his company and leading them to be one of the wealthiest companies worldwide.  In addition, his leadership is evident outside of the office where he has become a global leader of movement, change, and help.

Gates' obsession with computer technology and business has lead to some of the greatest impacting products the world has ever seen.  These inventions can make Bill Gates arguably one of the most global changing men to exist.  From a young age, Gates already noticed just how life changing the technology market could be: "While the industry was still in its infancy, Gates envisioned widespread use of computers and recognized the critical importance of software.  His products made it easier for the average person to use a computer and for businesses to communicate with each other" (Carter, Diane S).  Gates took an industry that had potential to thrive and turned it into one of the world's largest markets, forever changing how we live our daily lives.  Schools, businesses, and small homes use impactful products created by Gates every day.  His products continue to be a building block of a thriving and ever growing market: "Coupling astute business sense with superior technological knowledge, Gates embodies the traits that are necessary to survive and thrive in the modern global economy" (Carter, Diane S). The modern world thrives on computer technology that would not be available without the help of Gates.  His technology is continually being used as a foundation in creating new technology. This influential hero has changed the globe by moving us toward the technology age.

In 1999, Gates' wealth exceeded 101 billion dollars.  He was the richest man alive, but Gates knew that there was more to life than just money and he set out on a new mission to change needing lives around the world.  His charity, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is now one of the largest contributors to world development, and vaccination programs worldwide.  Gates' desire to help is seen through him when he states that his mission is to "Increase opportunities for people in developing countries to overcome hunger and poverty" (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation).  Bill' desire to change the world is prominent through his charity which has birthed an ember of hope in families and countries less fortunate then our own.  After his trip around the world with his wife, Gates realized how much he has and how little the world has.  His goal was to affect as many lives as possible to those who needed help:  "Our Global Health Program harnesses advances in science and technology to save lives in poor countries.  We focus on the health problems that have a major impact in developing countries but get too little attention and funding"( Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation).  Gates uses his money to its fullest by investing in areas that will create the greatest impact on the most lives.  Every year gates gives hope to struggling families in need of medicine:  "When innovators work on urgent problems and deliver solutions to people in need, the results can be magical."  Gates believes that change is possible through his passionate movement.  He has shaped this charity into a global movement supported by millions of families and celebrities around the world.  Gate's recognized how fortunate he truly was and became determined to use his wealth to share with the world.

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (http://bcfamily.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Bill-Gates-Foundation-world-health-problems.jpg ())

Throughout his life, Gates used all opportunities presented to the fullest, making himself a world renowned thinker and businessman.  Bill Gates is truly a hero through his dependable leadership, commanding global change and help for impoverished or devastated countries.  He is an inspiration to every person that can see the change he has initiated. Bill Gates continues to be an inspiration to society by being a figure of leadership and teaching others his leadership qualities.  The world would not be the same without the technological genius and global impact he has provided throughout his life and continues to provide through his revolutionary actions.  Gates is an inspiration to society by showing us that life is not all about wealth, but about making an impact on something bigger than just the individual and thinking about the needs of others. Gates' morals are a reflection of the character we should strive to be.