Well, technically it began almost 3 months ago when I started studying for my AWS certifications in earnest. But this is where the blog begins.

On the advice of those who have come before me (specifically Travis.Media and Adrian Twarog), I'm starting a blog to document my journey from total tech newbie to AI/Machine Learning expert and cyborg (well, part-cyborg). In it, I plan to document my struggles, my successes, things I'm learning/have learned, and really just anything I deem to be relevant and interesting.

I might delve into more detail in the future, but for now just a little bit about me: I'm 34 years old, and before two and a half months ago had no background in tech. I took a programming class in high school for a year but that was it (although it should be noted that I enjoyed it immensely). I got a degree in Finance and worked at an investment company for 5 years out of college. I made good money, but the long hours and office/cubicle lifestyle burned me out, so I quit and moved to Los Angeles to enjoy the sunshine, scenery, and pretty women.

To support myself I became a bartender. The social nature of the job was the polar opposite of my miserable and secluded cubicle life back East. I loved it, and the money wasn't too bad either. But after COVID and all the free time it afforded me, I began to think that maybe slinging drinks for Beverley Hills housewives and flirting with cocktail waitresses wasn't really what I wanted to be doing for the rest of my 30s. I began to think maybe I should start pursuing something more meaningful for my life.

I then cycled through a whole laundry list of different "careers" - poker and real estate to name just a couple - before realizing it was no use trying to fight the call: tech was the path for me. Specifically, AI/ML tech.

And so here I am. I did some research on the absolute fastest way to break into the tech field, and when balanced with my ultimate goal of working with AI, the answer that repeatedly came up was to get AWS certified and learn Python. So that's what I'm doing.

I've completed the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification, and I'm currently working on building up my Python skills (I'd rate them as "decent" currently), getting good at actually using the Cloud (not just the theory), and creating as good a resume and LinkedIn page as I can considering I don't have much directly relevant work experience.

And that's it. That's where I'm at as of this moment. I'm excited to be here, excited to be part of the tech community, and excited to see what the future holds for all of humanity as we head into this AI revolution.