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Nate looking out over the ocean at sunset

Leading Up to the Big Drop

Nate sitting at a table with friends playing a board game.

Hey there, fellow thrill-seekers! Welcome to my roller coaster of a life journey – a ride filled with twists, turns, and loop-de-loops that brought me right here, ready to share my story with you.

A Bit of the Fun Facts About Me: I'm a roller coaster fanatic, camping enthusiast, and board game connoisseur. Give me a cozy campfire or a thrilling game night with friends, and I'm in my element. Oh, and did I mention my love for traveling? There's nothing quite like exploring new places and soaking in different cultures. My favorite color? Well, it's none other than the vibrant hue of yellow – it just radiates positivity, and speaking of yellow, I've got a soft spot for those mischievous Minions. Now, let's talk tech. Call me a computer nerd, a tech guru, or simply someone who's fascinated by the digital world – I wear that badge proudly. Web development? It's been on my radar since forever, but life had its own plans for me before I could dive headfirst into coding adventures.

Life's Ups and Downs: In my late teens and 20s, the idea of pursuing a degree in web design felt like chasing a roller coaster – exhilarating but just out of reach. Online schooling wasn't as accessible, and web design degree choices were (BIG TIME) lacking in my local area. Instead, I juggled various jobs, including a stint in Human Resources Management, but none of them quite clicked. Despite the job changes and occasional setbacks, I made the most of every moment. From last-minute trips to NYC for New Year's Eve to calling cities like Atlanta, Boston, Las Vegas, Nashville, and San Diego home, I embraced adventure at every turn. Marriage? Been there. Kids? No, thank you! But if you asked me about my dream job (if I wasn't allowed to say "Web Design" or "Web Development"), I'd paint you a picture of me flipping houses – because who doesn't love a good DIY challenge? Anyway, getting back on track, my passion for web development never faded. I have devoured online resources, teaching myself HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. I even dabbled in Python a little. Turns out, you're never too old to learn new tricks!

Nate in the forest surrounded by tents while on a camping trip with friends. AI generated - Nate standing in a group of Minions.
Nate sitting at a computer, looking stressed out after paying bills.
Nate standing out side of an amusement park, looking worried.

The Pandemic Plunge

The Roller Coaster Takes a Dip: Ah, 2020 – the year of unexpected twists and stomach-churning drops. Like many, I found myself on a roller coaster ride for which I had never bought a ticket. As the pandemic swept across the globe, it brought with it a wave of uncertainty that rocked my world. Lost job? Check. Financial instability? Double check. It felt like I was barreling down a steep hill with no brakes in sight. At one point, the looming threat of homelessness cast a shadow over everything I'd built over the years. My faithful feline companion, Jackson, and I faced the prospect of hitting rock bottom. But when life throws you a loop-de-loop, you learn to hold on tight. I knew I had to reinvent myself if I wanted to claw my way back to financial stability. And amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged – a chance to pursue my passion for web development.

From Setback to Setup: It was during those dark days that I stumbled upon Mesa Community College's web design and development program. The idea of earning my degree online seemed like a lifeline in a sea of uncertainty. With newfound determination and without thinking twice about it, I filled out the applications to become a student and my FAFSA faster than a roller coaster hurtling down its tracks. Yet, as the dust settled, doubts crept in. Was I too old for this? Could I really succeed this time around? The fear of failure gnawed at me, threatening to derail my dreams before they even began. But then, a moment of clarity pierced through the fog. This reinvention wasn't just a whim – it was my ticket to a brighter future. And so, with nerves of steel, I plunged headfirst into the unknown, trusting that this roller coaster ride was meant for me.

The Sky's the Limit

Dreaming Big: Now, in the next exhilarating phase of my journey, I can't help but envision the highs that lie ahead. With a degree in Web Design and Development within reach, the possibilities seem endless. First on the agenda? Achieving financial stability and bidding farewell to my apartment-dwelling days. It's time to re-upgrade to a place I can truly call home – complete with space to unleash my DIY prowess and with more counter space to bake those Christmas cookies I have been missing (me, not my body – haha)! Then there are the vacations, once a distant memory, are poised to make a triumphant comeback. Picture-perfect getaways, filled with adventure and relaxation, await on the horizon. Gone are the days of constant stress and uncertainty. With a solid foundation beneath me, I can finally exhale, knowing that I'm on the right track to reclaiming the life I once had.

A New Chapter Begins: But perhaps the most thrilling prospect of all? Stepping into my dream job – a web developer extraordinaire, crafting digital experiences that leave a lasting impact. From coding marvels to designing visually stunning websites, every day promises to be an adventure. So here's to new beginnings, unexpected twists, and the sheer thrill of the ride. As I hurtle towards the future, I'm ready to embrace every twist and turn, secure in the knowledge that the best is yet to come.

Nate standing outside of his dream home. Nate standing beside a Christmas tree with a Santa hat on.