I've been fortunate to have found success in software development. I attribute this to supportive employers who've set me up to succeed, mentor figures who've guided and shaped my career, and my own tenacity, discipline, and insatiable appetite for continuous learning.My journey started in 2013, when I completed a four-month intensive coding bootcamp. Realizing this barely scratched the surface, I dedicated myself to expanding on that education and haven't stopped. I've since spent thousands of hours outside of work immersed in books and platforms like Pluralsight, Udemy, and Dometrain.Within five years, I found myself in the role of Software Architect. I gravitated towards software architecture because of its universal principles and its slower rate of change compared to specific implementations and frameworks. I was captivated by the theoretical concepts and have absorbed many patterns, practices, and principles from multiple paradigms. This has given me a vocabulary to communicate ideas effectively, and has put several tools in my toolbelt. Knowing which tools are appropriate for any given scenario is another skill in itself. I also discovered a passion for teaching others about these concepts, particularly those who are eager to learn.I've found myself wearing many hats over the years, and have gained a deep understanding of the environments and systems of my employers. While this has limited my direct exposure to many different organizational practices (particularly outside of the Microsoft / .NET stack), I am aware of and will always advocate for modern best practices. I'm enthusiastic about applying this knowledge more broadly and am keenly aware of the nuances between theory and practical application.