Legacy, What is it? Are these My Eyes? #66 #cong24 #legacy
Synopsis:
This piece is a reflection on what legacy means to me, both personally and professionally. I don’t typically think about legacy when starting a job; my focus is on doing my best, even if it leads to stress and self-doubt. Through my work in I.T. and educational technology, as well as moments shared with my son, I’ve come to wonder whether a legacy can be more multifaceted than just one defining achievement. I’ve realized that it’s okay to be remembered for a mix of contributions and experiences. In the end, stepping outside my comfort zone—like writing this for Congregation—reminds me that embracing imperfections is part of my legacy, too.
Total Words
Reading Time in Minutes
5
Key Takeaways:
The irony of writing about takeaways is there ARE no TAKEAWAYS in Cong
- Legacy is Diverse: A legacy isn’t limited to one grand accomplishment; a person can leave behind multiple legacies through various roles, achievements, and moments in their life.
- The Importance of Effort: What matters most is consistently giving your best effort in whatever you do, even if the outcome isn’t always perfect or universally praised.
- Embracing Imperfection: Being remembered isn’t necessarily about flawless success; it’s about showing dedication and sincerity in your endeavors, despite challenges or self-doubt.
- Reflective Growth: Taking time to reflect on your experiences, even if it’s difficult (as with writing in this case), is a way to understand and shape your legacy over time.
About Hassan Dabbagh:
I Am Hassan: A Passionate I.T. Trainer and Creative Technologist
I’m Hassan, an experienced I.T. trainer based in Balla, County Mayo, with a mission to empower community groups across Ireland through technology. My love for photography, computers, and all things tech has naturally blended into both my professional and personal life.
Over the years, I’ve built a reputation as an engaging educator and innovator, dedicating my career to working in the tech and education sectors. My workshops are designed for learners of all ages, helping them build confidence and develop valuable skills in an ever-changing digital landscape. Co-founding a company with my best friends has been one of my proudest achievements, along with contributing to a national organization that helps communities preserve their heritage through digital archiving—proof that history can be preserved in modern ways.
But it’s not just about the work for me. I cherish the light-hearted moments, like sharing jokes with my 6-year-old son and nurturing a sense of humor that teeters on the ridiculous. Writing is a challenge I’ve always faced due to my dyslexia, but I push myself to step outside my comfort zone. My reflective posts and talks at events like Congregation are examples of how I’m willing to share my journey, even when it scares me. I’ve learned that embracing imperfection is an essential part of growth.
Through my work, I hope to inspire more than just tech proficiency—I aim to spark a real passion for learning. My goal is to leave behind a multifaceted legacy that connects with both the minds and hearts of the people I meet.
Contacting Hassan Dabbagh:
By Hassan Dabbagh
What will I leave behind? What’s my legacy? I’ve been fascinated by the idea of writing your own obituary—seriously, why not? Think about it: who better to capture the essence of your journey than you?
Now, I’ve never started a job pondering what legacy it would leave. My approach has always been straightforward: do the best I can, with whatever resources I have. If I walk away from a disaster (and yes, it has happened), I can rest easy knowing I gave it my all. That said, my standards are sky-high, and I’m never fully satisfied with the results. Cue the sleepless nights, stress eating, and those wonderfully destructive habits that come with it. But wait, there’s more—what if they don’t like the project? And who are they, anyway? Why do I care what they think? If I don’t care what they think, do I still care about my legacy? So many questions. I guess that’s the point of these posts—to dig deep.
For someone with dyslexia, writing is a fear-inducing task. I hate that it takes me hours to put down a few paragraphs. I hate that when I read back what I’ve written, I instantly question: What was I trying to say? It feels like someone else wrote it. But back to the important part: Why? Why do I fear writing? Is it because I’m not good at it, or am I worried about what others will think when my ramblings go public? Let’s park that mini-counseling session and talk some more about legacy.
Legacy, in its simplest form, is what’s handed down. And as someone who works in I.T., legacy is part of my daily grind. Old code, outdated software—it’s all “legacy” that should have been retired years ago but somehow lingers, like the 32-bit folder in Windows (if you know, you know).
As I’m mulling over this, my 6-year-old son bursts in with a joke. I won’t repeat it, but let’s just say it involved a piano, a woman, a stool, and a hairy banana. It was un-PC, borderline rude, and absolutely hilarious to him. Is this my legacy to him? A sense of humor teetering on the absurd? I’d like to think he’ll get more than just that.
When I reflect on my work, legacy is a tricky word. I’ve been fortunate to work in two jobs I love: one with a company I started alongside my best friends, and another with a national group that supports people and communities in preserving their heritage through digital archives. Yes, my best friend is involved in that one too—because why not? Naturally, the “Heritage Gig” came to mind when I started writing this. Isn’t heritage just another form of legacy? Maybe they’re close cousins. The groups I work with create archives to preserve their heritage, but ironically, it’s the website showcasing the archive that becomes their legacy. Am I overthinking this?
So, how will I be remembered? I’ve spent years as an educational technologist, working with learners of all ages and achieving varying degrees of success. Would I like to be remembered for doing something well? Sure. But I realized that if I tackle each job with the mindset of “I’ll give this my best,” then I’ll be remembered for many different things. And I’m okay with that.
As I look back, I notice all my submissions to Congregation have a reflective tone. Maybe that’s because writing isn’t my strongest suit, so sticking to what I know—me—is the only way forward. Coming here and writing this post still scares the hell out of me. I’m so far out of my comfort zone. So, what will they say about me? What’s my legacy? Maybe it’ll be: “Nice lad, but can’t write for sh******.”
Enjoyed that Hassan. as always ‘giving your’ best, and even a tad more. I look forward to seeing you in Cong