From a young age, I’ve always been fascinated by how things work. Instead of engaging in typical childhood pastimes, I found joy in taking apart kitchen gadgets and lawnmowers, eagerly uncovering the mechanisms inside. By the age of 10, I had embarked on my first technical adventure by installing an alarm system at our local fishing pier, a project that was both exciting and fulfilling.

When I turned 12, my dad recognized my growing passion for electronics and enrolled me in home courses. These classes opened up a whole new world of knowledge and skills that I was eager to explore. By the time I was 14, I achieved one of my proudest milestones: a US Patent for an innovative fluid transfer product that I designed. It was an exhilarating moment to see my ideas take form in such a tangible way!

While in high school, I began a rigorous four-year machinist apprenticeship, which immersed me in 8,000 hours of hands-on training. This experience was a blend of intense learning and practical application, and it allowed me to earn a steady paycheck while I honed my craft to become a journeyman worker. The skills I gained during this time equipped me to contribute innovative solutions at various companies, leading to significant cost savings on multiple projects.

As I reflect on my journey, I am genuinely grateful for the wealth of resources and support I’ve received from my past and present colleagues. To me, work has always been more than a job; it’s about finding joy in the creative process, tackling challenges, and achieving my goals with a sense of satisfaction and pride.