hello, world.

It makes sense that the first programmers chose hello, world as the first thing they wrote in code. It told everybody that somehow, in a small corner of the world, somebody is making their mark in society. That somebody out there would listen.

It cemented the notion that even from a computer, people wanted to be seen.

I used to really struggle with this idea of being seen. I was a really quiet kid growing up, and had trouble speaking up to teachers and friends. I remember when my mom told my teachers before every school year that when they asked me a question, they had to wait for me to speak, because sometimes it takes an extra beat for me to put things into words.

It's not that I changed very much from when I was a kid. I just learned - and continue to learn - that my I have ideas to share and that my words, even though they might take an extra beat to come out, are ones that deserve to be heard.

I made this blog to document my journey. Not just as a student, nor just as a Software Engineer, but as a new adult trying to figure out my place in this life. Not for the clout, but to open myself to the world. To be forced to figure out what I truly want out of this life in order to be able to share it with others.

As much as it's difficult right now, I will find success one day. And whatever hard work I'm doing now, will pay off. But when I find success, it will be on my own terms. It will be one without flash, or the glamour. It will be found through sharing who I am, what I do, and by building things that have substance. not just click appeal.

Glad you're reading this.

Best, Ian