Early Years
I was born and raised in a quaint, rural town nestled in the heartland of Illinois.
This small town, with its population hovering around 20,000, is a tapestry of endless fields stretching as far
as the eye can see. Despite its size, it’s a bustling hub of businesses and industry, a testament to the
industrious spirit of its inhabitants.
From a young age, I was captivated by the world of technology and tinkering. There was something about
the unknown, the intricate complexities of tech that sparked a fascination within me. I yearned to unravel
these mysteries, to delve into the depths of this digital world and emerge with a solution, a fix to a problem
that had seemed insurmountable. There are few feelings that can rival the satisfaction of solving a problem
that once seemed impossible. At the tender age of 11, I dipped my toes into the vast ocean of website building and coding. My initial foray into this realm was through drag-and-drop website builders. These tools offered a quick and easy introduction to the world of web development, igniting a spark of interest that would grow into a roaring flame. However, I soon realized the limitations of these platforms. They were confined gardens, restricting my creativity and vision.
This realization led me to the world of HTML and CSS coding. Starting from scratch, building a website tag
by tag, allowed me to bring my visions to life without any restrictions. I found myself printing out lists
of HTML tags and dedicating countless hours to memorizing them during my middle school years. I would then
test my knowledge on platforms like W3 Schools, gradually progressing from individual web-app development
to constructing full-blown websites.
Education
My passion for web development continued to grow, leading me to explore and master CSS. I’ve always had a tendency to push my boundaries, to strive for more. This drive led me to invest in a cheap hosting plan, which I continually upgraded over the years. After spending thousands of dollars, I finally owned my own hardware. Today, this website stands as a testament to my journey, self-hosted and crafted with pride.
During my high school years, I served as a squad leader in the Army JROTC and played soccer for a couple of years.
Outside of school, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the great outdoors. I relish the opportunity to camp,
fish, and simply soak in the beauty of nature. My love for the outdoors led me to join the scouts, where I eventually earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. This achievement paved the way for my first job as a camp counselor.
After graduating from high school, I embarked on my college journey as a Pre-Med major. However, after a grueling
semester and the daunting realization of the long road ahead, I decided to switch my major, as many students often do. I eventually settled on Network Administration, transforming my childhood hobby and love for technology into a promising career path. My core classes were taught by an exceptional professor whose passion and knowledge greatly enhanced my learning experience. The curriculum was challenging and pushed me to my limits, testing my passion for the field. However, the struggle was worth it. I studied a wide range of topics, including Client & Server OSes, TCP/IP, Network Security, Routing, Hardware, Software, Basic Power Shell and Command prompt. I also had the opportunity to work with several manufacturer-specific demos such as Arduino, Raspberry, Cisco, and Ubiquit
Continuing to Invest in Myself
In the ever-evolving field of technology, change is the only constant. To keep up with the latest innovations, products, and vulnerabilities, I continually invest in myself. I strive to expand my knowledge and skills, not only in a HomeLab environment but also by familiarizing myself with equipment used in businesses. I believe in the importance of lifelong learning and the pursuit of knowledge. This commitment to growth and learning allows me to troubleshoot effectively and fulfill my ultimate goal of providing fast, cheerful service.