A little more about where I come from, what brought me here, and what I enjoy outside of work and school.
I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated from Taylor High School and Diamond Oaks Career Campus. Not long after graduating in 2017, I decided to join the United States Navy. Looking back, it was one of the biggest decisions I have ever made. It gave me the chance to travel, meet people from all over the country, and challenge myself in ways I never expected.
During my four years of active duty, I served aboard the USS Oak Hill and the USS Vella Gulf, completing three deployments while working as a Gas Turbine Systems Technician. Most of my days were spent deep in the engine rooms troubleshooting equipment, performing preventative maintenance, documenting work, and making sure critical systems were ready whenever they were needed.
Those four years taught me discipline, accountability, teamwork, attention to detail, and how to stay calm under pressure. They're lessons that still influence the way I approach work, school, and everyday life.
When my active-duty service came to an end in 2021, I wasn't quite ready to leave Virginia. I stayed for another two years working as a defense contractor and lived in my first apartment just a few minutes from Virginia Beach. Living near the ocean was something I really enjoyed, and I'm glad I had the chance to experience that chapter of my life.
After being away from home for nearly six years, I decided it was time for something new. My family is here in Cincinnati, and I wanted to be closer to them while working toward a new career. I enrolled at the University of Cincinnati to pursue Information Technology with a focus on Cybersecurity.
Around that same time, I started working at Geek Squad, where I've spent the past few years helping people solve technology problems while continuing to build my own technical skills.
One thing I didn't expect after moving back was how much I would appreciate Cincinnati as an adult. Growing up here, I never really explored everything the city had to offer. Now I enjoy finding new hiking trails, trying local restaurants, spending time downtown, and discovering places I never paid much attention to before.
Outside of work and school, I like going to the gym. As a natural lifter, it's become an important part of my daily routine. I enjoy staying in shape and working toward new goals, I found that being in the gym is great not only for my physical health, but also for my mental health.
When I have some free time from school and other responsibilies, I like to practice playing guitar and singing. I also enjoy being outside. Hiking, running, pickleball, and snowboarding are some of my favorite ways to get outside and stay active while having fun. If I'm staying in, there's a good chance I'm watching a movie or playing retro games that I grew up playing.
I also enjoy traveling and try to take at least one trip every year. Whenever I can, I like visiting other countries and experiencing different cultures. Every now and then I'll even take a solo trip. It's a great way to see somewhere new and try something different.
I like working on projects around the house too. Whether it's building something or making improvements, I enjoy seeing the finished results. Painting is another hobby I've picked up over the years, and it's something I still enjoy whenever I'm in the mood to slow down and be creative.