In the late 80s, I delivered the Washington Post as a 9 year old — I skimmed the articles daily and one about local BBS sites with phone numbers fascinated me.
I called the numbers and heard weird noises. I was beyond intrigued and had to understand this new world.
8 months saving for a Commodore 64, 6 months saving for a 300 baud modem and I was hooked!