My Early Years
I always showed interest in electronic devices from a young age. One of my earliest tech memories was when my family got an old used Commodore 64 in the early 90s. I had not yet learned English, or how to spell the various commands needed to operate the C64. I remember having a handwritten piece of paper so I could replicate the commands to launch games, playing titles like Bubble Bobble and Last Ninja.
I also had my first coding experience on a C64. An older neighbor kid showed me how to type in code from magazines to create music and games. I didn’t really understand what was going on, and I had no idea what BASIC even was, but I remember being truly fascinated by this magic.
After a while, my family finally got our first computer. A 486 with 66 MHz CPU, I quickly became deeply interested, exploring and learning both software and hardware. I took on small jobs in the neighborhood, mowing lawns and gardening, to save up to get my own computer. When I was around 11, I finally had enough to buy a used Pentium 90 MHz. It even had a CD-ROM! Around that same time we also got dial-up internet at home. The “screaming” modem when connecting was the sound of something awesome about to happen.
The IRC, Linux, and LAN Party Era
I mostly used my computer for gaming and homework, but then I discovered IRC. I used mIRC and it had super awesome documentation for its built-in scripting language. I started learning by doing, writing everything from “im listening to Winamp” scripts to “backdoor-ish” scripts that I tricked my friends into running. During this period, I also discovered Linux. I started installing it on older computers I got my hands on, messing around with various Linux distros, learning all about Bash scripting, Eggdrops, Tcl scripts and lets not forget BitchX.
This was also the era of LAN parties. These weekends are where I learned networking, often the hard way. We started with coax cables, T-connectors, and terminators. Eventually, we upgraded to RJ45 with hubs, then later switches. Between endless rounds of Counter Strike and frozen pizza, I was also learning the fundamentals of troubleshooting, optimization and hardware.
Finding My Career Path
I actually started out in high school studying to be an electrician, but when a new IT program opened up after my second year, I jumped ship and studied IT. I went on to do a two-year apprenticeship and earned my trade certificate in IT Operations. I used my free time during this period to learn C++ and web development. I loved programming so much that I decided to get a university degree so I could do it full-time.