This interview is crossposted from The Markup, a nonprofit news organization that investigates technology and its impact on society. By: Monique O. Madan, Investigative Reporter at The Markup After reading my daily news stories amid his declining health, my grandfather made it a habit of traveling the world—all from his desk and wheelchair. When I went on trips, he always had strong opinions and recommendations for me, as if he’d already been there. “I’ve traveled to hundreds of countries,” he would tell me. “It’s called Google Earth. Today, I’m going to Armenia.” My Abuelo’s passion for teleporting via Google Street…

During his junior year at Comfrey High School, Jim Birkemeyer was asked by his teacher and counselor, Mrs. (Carol) Hayes, if he had given any thought to a potential career path. He had not, which wasn’t unexpected from students who were busy with playing sports and growing up on a farm. But Mrs. Hayes pressed on. She urged Birkemeyer, a 1981 graduate of Comfrey, to allow his passions and interests to be the guide in exploring a career that would be fulfilling, rewarding and of service to others. Mrs. Hayes, in her tiny office, began rattling off professions, vocations and…