The Journey continues

A little over 4 years ago today I started a journey to improve my life by making drastic changes. I was unhappy with my life and started brainstorming what I could do to make myself happy and successful. My first inspiration for this change was thanks to my Dad, Chris Peck. Talking about how crazy and profound technology was getting gave me an idea. This was a key moment in my decision to go back to school for an I.T. related field and really try this time.

My final decision was to register at Milwaukee Area Technical College in the IT Networking Specialist program. This is where my second source of inspiration occurred, in a class focused around social media and business. Tony J. Stanislawski The class was great as a whole, but what I really took away from this class were the concepts of “Passion” and being a Life Learner. What I didn’t realize at the time was that being a Life Learner will cause your “Passion” to grow and change.

One of my favorite classes was the study of Cisco Routing and Switching, and really was the crux of my IT knowledge today. Coming from no prior computer background, my first teachings were about the networking side of things and how the OSI layers work as well as the history of how data is transmitted. I would be lying if I said it was easy, but I really wanted to learn and I was determined to cross this threshold.

After my first successful Semester with a 4.0 no less, I was feeling the results of my hard work. I decided to go visit my Uncle Douglas J Peckwho wanted to help me build a computer for the first time. I did the research and picked all the parts myself then I built the new computer with some guidance and support.

Getting hired at a company called UBreakIFix as a repair technician was another fundamental stepping stone to my success and learning. Vernon Gene Thornton Deyssler Downs Matthew Scott La Berge Sandy Prentiss, since Dan has no facebook XD!! Thanks to the OG team for hiring me to be a UBIFer it was a lot of fun and I will miss you guys. And new team Mikey Van Dehy Jacob Moser good luck with your futures as well!!

Graduation from MATC with a 4.0 this was my first major success in my entire life and am truly grateful to all those involved that helped and supported me especially my family! Patty Peck Connor Peck Christopher F Peck

The next step was UWM, and with an open mind, I made my way and started learning things that I never thought I would like. Having a life learning attitude is infectious and I started to enjoy other subjects, Literature, Greek Mythology, Mathematics, and even Spanish were all requirements for my degree and I passed them all. I especially liked Spanish and even took the opportunity to Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain for a Month. A special thanks to those that made that trip for me possible! Allison Libbey Saúl Oceguera Dasha Bzeniuk

My core classes while enrolled as an UW-Milwaukee School of Information Studies student, there was a more software and web development focus. One of my most important ventures at UWM was my acceptance into the Nonprof-IT Internship Sunstar Vue Adam Hudson Sam Goerke.

Before I knew it I was up on the Graduation stage wearing a cap and gown getting my name called to shake hands with the Dean! Bachelors Degree completed at UWM. Steve Peck even made the journey to see it happen so I have witnesses!

Many interviews later I finally broke some ground. I was asked to do a series of video interviews for a position that I really wanted! I prepared like crazy for these interviews and made sure to do everything in my power to let them know I mean business and will do whatever it takes to succeed in this role with their company. A week later I was getting a call from HR and getting a real honest to God offer from Cisco Systems Inc. Austin, TX.

I am now a Software Test Engineer in the IoT Development team! I have come so far to finally be able to start this new chapter in my life working for the company that quite literally started my journey!

Well I don’t want to end this abruptly, but I am headed to work and learn everything that I can! Have a good day everyone!!!