In second grade, for fifteen minutes twice a week, Benjamin played games on computers. Who would predict that at age thirteen Benjamin would be making websites for paying clients? There's no telling where Kid Pix and typing will take you these days.

This bright-eyed, intense alert young man picks up on everything and asks questions about anything he doesn't know. He hasn't experienced the thirteen-year-old growth spurt yet but the gold stud in his ear tells you he's headed for the grownups' world.

Benjamin's real push came over three years ago when he met Bart Decrem. Bart was teaching kids about computers at the local Boys & Girls Club in Palo Alto. Decrem was also sowing the seeds for Plugged In, a new non-profit drop-in computer center for local kids in East Palo Alto.

Benjamin became one of several kids Bart recruited to participate in developing a group interactive computer story called "Me, Inside and Out." From that point, on Benjamin was hooked. He had always loved painting and drawing and discovered he could use all his talents in these new digital media.

Now he is adept at animation programs, 3D modeling, VRML, video and all sorts of other graphics programs. He learned HTML which he used to create his own Home Page.

Last fall, Plugged In formed the Plugged In Enterprises (PIE) comprised of four teenagers ages 13 to 18. PIE professionally designs and programs web sites for businesses. Since their formation they have worked with more than ten clients.

Now Benjamin happily earns more than minimum wage 10 hours per week as one of the "Web Sites by Teen" team members at PIE. Besides working with computers and graphics programs which he loves, Benjamin has learned how to run a business by participating in creating their business plan and marketing their services.

"If I wasn't working with Plugged In, I guess I'd be hanging out and playing with video games. But I'm too busy. I love the online world because of all the cool stuff and checking out other people's graphics." Benjamin also loves to experiment with the latest graphics programs.

"When I grow up I don't want to work for a corporation. I might be an engineer or an architect but I want my own business." He knows whatever he does will incorporate computers even if he doesn't do something which is directly related to the computer field.

Benjamin knows that most kids are not afraid of computers and he believes all adults should learn now because it is the wave of the future. "Adults should get computers for their kids and learn from them."

"Use on-line tutorials and other books instead of the boring manuals from computer companies. And don't be afraid."