Biography

For those who have met me, you know who and what I am...

But for those who haven't met me, I am a junior-level student web-developer, enrolled at the University of Oregon. I am a double major in the fields of Computer Science and Mathematics, with a cumulative GPA of 3.5. In addition to my classload, I work part-time as an assistant web developer for the University's housing program.

When I am not attending class or at work, I enjoy all the activities that a normal college student does! After all, one's studies always come first, but that doesn't mean you have to idolize them! I have a bike and I like to ride it to and from campus, and exploring the myriad trails that surround Eugene. I am very fond of cooking, especially Asain and exotic cuisine. When it is clear outside (an anomoly for Winter in Eugene!), I enjoy making homebrewed beer, a hobby of mine for the past couple of years. I have an uncanny talent at playing video games, which I am still trying to decide if this is a good thing or not. I love good music across all genres, but I have to say my favorites are modern indie-alternative, and classic, Zepplin-era rock. This Summer, I plan to get a guitar and teach myself how to play.

Primarily, however, I find myself doing odd little tasks at my computer, such as writing bits of code for an idea that was too important to write down, or edit some glaring error I saw on a web page I created, or (hopelessly) configuring MySQL on my shell account, or searching for new music groups online. Recently, I have become very interested in computers and my profession, and so concepts I used to find boring, such as n*Log n searching algorithms, or the complexities of dynamically allocated computer memory, I find very interesting. Often, I will get excited over some technical factoid, and try to explain it to someone who, probably, really didn't care, or didn't need to know.

Although this year I have been embracing my inner-geek, people's first impressions of me are typically not of a "computer guy." Friends have later told me that they thought I was originally an athlete (which is close...I played football in highschool). I am usually described as appearing intimidating, which is really just an illusion, as I am a very mannered, respectful, and all-around nice person. My old football coach once described me as a "gentle giant."

While I don't consider myself or my personality "weird," I have absolutely no problem "doing my own thing," or marching to the beat of my own drum. I have very little patience for those who do not tolerate differences or quirks people have in regards to the "norm." Because of this, I often see myself as a leader, and I (hopefully!) exhibit many leader-like qualities.

I have a very good sense of humor, which other people find infectious. I enjoy people who have the ability to laugh at themselves, and I have no problem doing the same. I think that while sarcasm and cynicism are often attributed to nonsocial behavior, they are two of the funniest tools I have.

I am a very determined person. I have rarely met a challenge that I was not able to overcome. I have absolute confidence in myself and my abilities, and even if something before me seems dauting, I know that my resolve remains steeled against such obstacles. Because of my experiences, I believe that hard work and focus can overcome any obstacle that one may face.

Now that you have a glimpse of me, I hope that you will have a better frame of mind when you meet me (and I really hope you do!). If you are a fellow student, you'll find me a caring friend and good chum. If you are an employer, you will find me a very dedicated student who doesn't know the meaning of "I can't."

See you soon, whoever you are!