did a similar thing in the late 90s. I didn't have a computer besides an old 286 with monochrome monitor because my parents would not let me use a brand new computer because it would affect my school studies as I would play games (they weren't wrong).

I discovered a program called qbasic and started fooling around with it. I did whatever I could on it. It was so interesting.

Then after about a year I got a fast computer because my dad felt sorry for me and I just started using the internet to download emulators and roms. I lost the same level of patience back when I used to have a 286.

Anyways I still remember those times. Magical moments like figuring out how to program. I wonder what would've happened if I had kept going. Sadly, the internet and video games completely took over.