So then,I grew up in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, in what I like to refer to as the "Greater Woodfield Area". I have nearly two full handfulls of brothers and sisters, but being all steps and halves we all grew up in different houses with different people at very different times.

  Years ago I went to the University of Oregon planning to study architecture and industrial design, until I realized I didn't want to live so far away from my family and moved back to Chicago. It was UIC next, and the move to Mechanical Engineering, until three years later I realized I didn't want to be an engineer. Some years later I finished a degree in Germanic Studies, with concentrations in literature and philosophy.

  I like to read and draw. I find foreign languages fascinating and am trying to learn more than I really have time for. I also find myself to be happiest when standing in the kitchen cooking for friends and family.

  Dare I say it, but I've spent nearly twenty years working in the restaurant industry. I've cooked, bartended, served, managed, hosted, you name it. Over the years I have cultured an affinity for wines and spirits and foods that I unfortunately can't afford...
Strangely it took me all that time, as well as the birth of my daughter, to realize that I didn't really want to work in restaurants and now I've taken a big leap of faith.

  That leap has been into the hands and guidance of the fine folks at Dev Bootcamp in Chicago. I got turned on to programming and have since really found myself wanting to delve deeper and deeper in. I am completely new to the world of programming and so far am finding it a pretty awesome adventure. There's still a long way to go and I am looking forward to it all.