A New World | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: A New World | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marty Wellington
05/01/14
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“Hello, my name is Andrea. I am a technology addict.” I looked around the room at my law school study group—a couple nearly fell out of their chairs laughing at me. One guy wiped tears from his eyes. Most of my colleagues—all in our second year of law school—were not the most likely bunch to “crack a smile” or “kick back.” “Aren't we all?” A hhhmmmppphhh was heard from somewhere in the back of the room.

Quietly, I trudged forward, trying my best to meet their taunting eyes. “I am dead serious.” I was going to get through this with or without their support; I was determined.

“#1. I admit I am powerless over technology.” Clicking to the first slide of my PowerPoint presentation was not unlike the feeling I had back in junior high during my first speech class. Click

“#2. Technology is like a beast that has consumed me heart and soul.” Click

“#3. I have come to believe that many times technology has caused me to be distant from my family and friends and my God.”

“Oh, God. She can't be serious.” Miriam's distinctive Bronx accent interrupted my thoughts from somewhere behind me. It was unmistakeable. The disdain in her voice rattled me, but only for an instant. I knew what I had to do. Click

“#4. I am determined to find new more personal ways to communicate with the world around me that will not jeopardize my relationships.” Click

Deep down, I had really expected my colleagues to be more open-minded. They were law students for goodness sakes.

“#5. I will seek to make amends with those I have hurt as a result of my addiction.” I looked up from my tablet just as Ms. Bronx and a few others exited the room. The air was indeed getting heavy. Click

“#6. I will continue to take personal inventory of my heart actions to assure that I am not alienating those around me and that I am continually seeking forgiveness of those I have wronged.” Click

“#7. I will humbly ask God to remove my shortcomings and equip me with the resolve to better myself through a spiritual awakening in my life that will replace my dependency on technology.” Well, I already alienated Ms. Bronx, et al. Click

I let things settle for a few seconds, and then with a sigh, I began my conclusion. As I looked around the room, there were only four stalwart souls left

“Thank you for your time this afternoon. And, now, as part of my continuing study of the law and technology and ramifications thereof, I am abstaining from the extended use of all technology--my Smart phone, the Internet and my laptop--for the balance of this term. While I know it will be challenging to compete with the rest of you this year, my experiment has been approved by all of my professors and my advisor. I hope to complete my research on this subject sometime this summer so it can be presented as part of my final year research paper. I believe that many times we must distance ourselves from that thing or things that distract us or consume us in order to see what's truly important. More than anything I want to be a great lawyer, but more than that I want to be a lawyer who cares about people, who puts clients first over monetary gain or some other power trip. This is my way to see if I'm up to the challenge. To be a Godly lawyer—a relationship addict—in a digital world. And, maybe, I've given you all something to think about as well.”

With my heart racing and my mouth parched beyond belief, I switched the projector off.

Click My laptop screen went dark. I was entering a new world.

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