What Makes Me, Well, Me
Here lies the institutions and jobs that molded me into what I am.
Educational Background
Work Experience
After high school, I became a sales representative for Vector Marketing (CutCo Knives), achieving over a grand in sales before refocusing on my education as I started college. I then took a part-time job at Burger King, which trained me to work efficiently at the Point of Sale.
I was later recruited to CDW, starting as a contractor before being hired full-time. There, I installed hardware upgrades, organized orders for shipping, managed devices through Autopilot, and troubleshot order discrepancies.
Seeking a more tailored role, I joined Roberts Communications Network as a Network Technician, progressing from Tier 1 to Supervisor. In my current role, I oversee the Network Management System to enhance performance and reliability, onboard new team members, and develop reports for senior management. My previous Tier II experience included heavy configuration of Cisco routers and switches, advanced troubleshooting, and support for Network Engineers. In Tier I, I provided customer service, performed light configurations, and monitored network topology using tools like SNMPc and SolarWinds.
During my time at SECTA, a magnet high school, I pursued an IT Networking major, which fueled my growth in networking and Cisco. Each year, I learned about VLSM addressing, networking concepts, and practiced routing protocols using Packet Tracer. I worked with various production lab equipment our teacher had purchased for our class, including Cisco 1841 and 1921 routers, with the occasional 2911 making an appearance. The switches were 2960s. Setting up labs like 'Router on a Stick,' EIGRP, OSPF, and DHCP configuration significantly enhanced my understanding of networking. I excelled in my classes, eventually becoming a Student Aide and Lab Supervisor, helping lowerclassmen with their projects. My tenacity earned me recognition as a leader in my class.
Afterwards, I enrolled at CSN, where I earned my CCNA certificate in my first year while pursuing an associate degree in Networking: Router/Switch. I took courses like Intro to Programming, Networking+, and Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling.
After completing my degree, I continued my education with the CCNP certification, passing the Core exam in October last year and recently completing my Concentration exam. I am now fully certified with the CCNP Enterprise.
**Rendering of an assembly line I used to work on
I have always been a gamer and could never resist them. Gaming is what influenced me to become a fast typer, to research heavily into different areas of technology, and to move forward with my career in Networking.
One of my main hobbies is categorizing phones. Growing up with a basic flip phone, I always aspired to own a high-end or mid-range device. This passion led me to spend countless hours researching the best options for myself and friends. I appreciate Apple's ecosystem for its simplicity but prefer Samsung for its modularity and unique challenges. While I considered models like the iPhone 13 mini and Samsung's A53/73 series for their great features at a mid-range price, I ultimately chose the Samsung S-series FE lineup and have loved my decision ever since. However, I always keep an eye for future upgrades!
My Hobbies and Interests
A big hobby of mine is exploring the world of PC parts. I’ve always dreamed of owning a custom-built PC, and that desire deepened after I built my own. I’m constantly looking for ways to enhance my setup, considering my current environment and budget. Researching the best TVs or monitors for an optimal visual experience, as well as finding great deals on upgrade parts, has helped me create multiple roadmaps for the future. You can read more about this process in my 'Build' project—check it out!
My interest has also expanded into smaller categories, like finding the best soundbars for my home. Additionally, setting up security cameras was another process I wanted to get right, and I dedicated time to ensure it was done properly within budget.