Was there a particular instance that influenced you to choose software engineering as your career? Was there one moment in time or did it happen over time?

My impactful moment happened at Cape Canaveral, FL after the Apollo 11 space launch. My dad took me to see the spent launchpad. He had been part of team responsible for the successful launch having designed the gantry supports. It was clear he was in awe of what had been accomplished there. I told him I wanted to be an engineer, too. He told me I could do anything I wanted and he was sure I would make him proud.