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life/_posts/2024-01-03-brewing-a-stronger-it-career.md

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+---
+layout: post
+title: "brewing a stronger it career: from helpdesk to higher ed"
+---
+
+Hello everyone!
+
+Today, I want to share some exciting personal updates and reflections on my ongoing journey in the tech world.
+
+## Hitting the Glass Ceiling with an Associate's Degree
+
+For a while now, I've been navigating the IT landscape with my Associate's degree in hand. While it's been a valuable stepping stone, I've increasingly felt the constraints of what some call the "glass ceiling" in the tech industry. Despite my efforts and experience, I've found myself confined primarily to helpdesk roles. It's a common plateau many of us in tech face, and it's led me to a significant decision.
+
+## Stepping Up: My Admission to WGU's Accelerated IT Program
+
+I'm thrilled to announce my admission to Western Governors University's accelerated Bachelor's and Master's Degree program in Information Technology, starting on February 1, 2024. This program is a unique opportunity for me to deepen my knowledge, broaden my skills, and break through the career barriers I've been facing.
+
+## Why Further Education?
+
+I've always believed in the power of education to fill in knowledge gaps and open new doors. With technology evolving at a breakneck pace, there's always more to learn. This program is not just about getting higher qualifications; it's about equipping myself to contribute more significantly to the field I am passionate about.
+
+## The Role of My Homelab
+
+My homelab has been a cornerstone of my learning journey. It's where I experiment, explore, and expand my practical knowledge of IT systems. I anticipate that the WGU program will not only benefit from my hands-on experience in the homelab but will also provide new insights and challenges that I can bring back to my personal lab setup and services I provide.
+
+## A Call for Support
+
+As I embark on this new educational path, any support to enhance my homelab capabilities and cover the costs of running services would be greatly appreciated. Your support, whether through knowledge sharing, equipment recommendations, or financial contributions, will play a crucial role in my journey.
+
+## Merchandise on the Horizon
+
+In other exciting news, I'm working on launching a range of merchandise on Redbubble. This is not just about creating cool, tech-themed items; it's a creative outlet for me and a way to connect with the community. Stay tuned for more updates!
+
+
+Logo for merch:
+
+![d@n tech logo](/assets/logos/logo-no-background.png "d@n tech logo")
+
+
+## In Closing
+
+I'm at an exciting crossroads, filled with new challenges and opportunities. I look forward to sharing my experiences and learnings with all of you. Let's continue to grow and learn together in this ever-evolving world of technology.
+
+Thank you for being a part of my journey!

life/_posts/2024-01-22-my-it-odyssey.md

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+---
+layout: post
+title: "my it odyssey: from entry-level to expertise"
+---
+
+#### Introduction
+Hello, I'm Dustin, and I've been navigating the dynamic world of IT support since 2017. With a foundation in Computer Network Systems and Administration from ITT-Tech (2013), my career has taken me through various roles, each offering unique challenges and learnings. Today, I'd like to share my journey, hoping to inspire those starting in IT or looking to advance in this field.
+
+#### First Steps at Delta Sonic Car Wash (2017-2019)
+- **Role:** Computer Support Technician
+- **Scope:** Managed IT needs across 9 locations in 2 cities.
+- **Deeper Dive:**
+  - **Challenges Faced:** Tackling complex POS system issues and network dilemmas was a daily task, pushing me to develop effective troubleshooting skills.
+  - **Skill Development:** This role was crucial in honing my technical problem-solving abilities and customer service skills, teaching me the value of patience and clear communication.
+  - **Key Takeaways:** I learned the importance of a meticulous approach to diagnostics and the necessity of translating tech jargon into understandable language for non-tech staff.
+
+#### Leveling Up at NYS ITS (2019-2023)
+- **Role:** Level 2 IT Support (L2 ITS)
+- **Scope:** Provided IT support for 25 agencies over 10 counties in Central NY.
+- **Expanding Horizons:**
+  - **Broader Impact:** My efforts here went beyond fixing immediate issues, contributing to smoother operations across multiple agencies.
+  - **Professional Growth:** This period was marked by growth in project management and strategic planning, as I spearheaded hardware rollouts and upgrades.
+  - **Memorable Projects:** A significant project I managed was the standup of the Mass Vaccination Site at the NYS Fairgrounds, which taught me valuable lessons in large-scale project execution.
+
+#### Current Role at Virtual Service Operations (VSO) (2023-Present)
+- **Role:** Raytheon Technology Deskside Support at Pratt & Whitney
+- **Scope:** Catering to the IT needs of about 200 users at the Pratt and Whitney PSD campus.
+- **Current Endeavors:**
+  - **Solo Operations:** As the only IT support on campus, I handle everything from software installations to complex troubleshooting, ensuring smooth tech operations for all users.
+  - **Adapting to Change:** This role requires me to be agile and up-to-date with the latest technologies, adapting quickly to new challenges and IT methodologies.
+  - **Independent Problem Solving:** Working alone has honed my ability to tackle issues independently and develop innovative solutions, reinforcing the importance of self-reliance and resourcefulness in tech support.
+
+
+#### Future Plans and Aspirations
+- **Academic Pursuits:** I'm excited to start an Accelerated Bachelor's and Master's IT degree program at WGU on 2/1/24, aiming to deepen my knowledge and open new career avenues.
+- **Career Vision:** Post-graduation, I envision a role that not only challenges me but also aligns more closely with my passion for emerging technologies and innovative solutions.
+
+#### Personal Reflections
+- **The Tech Landscape:** The IT field has evolved tremendously, and I believe we're on the cusp of more groundbreaking changes in technology and how we interact with it.
+- **Work-Life Balance:** Balancing a demanding career with personal passions like homelabs and Pathfinder gaming has been a fulfilling journey in itself.
+
+#### Conclusion
+My journey through the IT landscape has been enriching and enlightening. I'm grateful for the challenges and opportunities I've encountered, and I hope my story encourages others to pursue their own path in tech. If you're on a similar journey, I'd love to hear about your experiences and challenges. Together, let's continue to learn, grow, and innovate in this ever-evolving field.

life/_posts/2024-03-22-java-journeys-transitioning-to-it-infrastructure-at-wolfspeed.md

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+---
+layout: post
+title: "java journeys: transitioning to it infrastructure at wolfspeed"
+---
+
+#### Introduction:
+Hey there, folks! Today, I'm sharing a pivotal moment in my career journey with you at d@n tech. After five months of serving as a Desktop Support Specialist at Pratt & Whitney PSD, I've moved into a new role as an IT Infrastructure Support Technician at Wolfspeed.
+
+
+#### My Time at Pratt & Whitney PSD:
+At Pratt & Whitney PSD, I was the go-to guy for 200 end users, juggling tasks in office spaces and on the bustling machining floor. It was a busy gig that taught me the value of staying cool under pressure and finding solutions on the fly.
+
+
+#### Transitioning to Wolfspeed:
+Now, I'm settling into life at Wolfspeed, where I'm supporting around 80 end users across office and electrical lab environments. My plate is full with projects, L2 support, and handling the ins and outs of new user deployments.
+
+
+#### Facing the Challenges:
+Switching gears to a new role isn't without its hurdles. Getting acquainted with Wolfspeed's IT setup and catering to a smaller user base has been a bit of a learning curve. But hey, every challenge is just a chance to level up, right?
+
+
+#### Embracing the Opportunities:
+Despite the adjustments, I'm pumped about what lies ahead. Wolfspeed offers a chance to dive deep into IT infrastructure support, exploring new tech and fine-tuning my project management chops along the way.
+
+
+#### A Blend of Passion and Purpose:
+For a homelabber and tech enthusiast like me, this career shift is more than just a job change - it's about pursuing what fires me up and pushing myself to grow, both personally and professionally.
+
+
+
+#### Looking Forward:
+As I settle into my groove at Wolfspeed, I'll be dishing out insights, tips, and tales from the trenches of IT support. So keep an eye out for more updates and musings as we journey through the world of tech and coffee together here at d@n tech.
+
+
+#### Conclusion:
+Change can be a wild ride, but it's all about rolling with the punches and savoring the journey. Here's to new beginnings, endless possibilities, and a good old cup of Americano to keep us grounded along the way.

life/_posts/2024-11-27-a-roast-of-reality-life-changes-career-shifts-and-what-s-next.md

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+---
+layout: post
+title: "a roast of reality: life changes, career shifts, and what's next"
+---
+
+Life can be compared to coffee: bitter, sweet, and full of unexpected flavors. Over the past few years, I've experienced various life changes and career shifts that have brought challenges and opportunities. Let's explore my journey in several distinct phases.
+
+#### The Big Decision
+In April 2024, my wife decided to leave her PhD program. This pivotal moment led us to reevaluate our priorities and consider a change of scenery. We decided to move back to New York on August 1st, 2024, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start.
+
+#### Facing Challenges
+Upon returning to New York, financial responsibilities took center stage. To meet these obligations, I took a job at Walmart towards the end of August 2024. Although it wasn't my dream position, I reminded myself that every experience offers room for growth and learning.
+
+#### New Opportunities
+As the seasons changed, so did my luck. On October 1st, 2024, I began a new role as a contractor through MergeIT, working with Waygate Tech in Skaneateles. This position allowed me to put my IT expertise to good use and reignite my passion for technology.
+
+#### Future Aspirations
+Even as I settle into my current role, I'm still looking for opportunities to return to New York State ITS. The public sector presents unique challenges and a chance to make a positive impact on a broader scale.
+
+#### Embracing Change
+Moving forward, I'm committed to embracing whatever life has in store for me, whether it's another career change or a fresh start in a new city. Just as coffee beans must undergo a roasting process to reveal their full potential, life's twists and turns can refine us, fostering growth and resilience.
+In conclusion, life is unpredictable, and careers can be uncertain. By staying true to ourselves and embracing new experiences, we can weather any storm and come out stronger. So, let's raise a cup to life's bitter and sweet moments and toast the journey ahead!
+It's been four months since I last posted on this blog. This hiatus is mainly due to a lack of time, energy, and uncertainty about what to share. However, I'm committed to getting back into the swing of things and providing valuable content for my readers. Thank you for your patience and continued support.

life/_posts/2025-01-30-brewed-reflections-a-semester-wrap-up-and-steaming-future-ahead.md

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+---
+layout: post
+title: "brewed reflections: a semester wrap-up and steaming future ahead"
+---
+
+Welcome back to my corner of the internet! As I sit down to reflect on this past semester, I’m filled with a sense of accomplishment and excitement for what lies ahead. This journey has been nothing short of enlightening, and I'm eager to share my experiences while stirring in a bit of my favorite brew!
+
+**Sipping on Knowledge: Classes Completed**
+
+This semester, I’ve had the privilege of diving into five diverse courses that have each contributed uniquely to my academic growth:
+
+- **American Politics and the US Constitution**: This course provided a deep dive into the foundational aspects of American governance. Understanding the nuances of our political system has been both fascinating and enlightening—much like savoring a bold cup of coffee!
+
+- **Natural Sciences Lab**: Hands-on experiments in the lab have reinforced theoretical concepts, making abstract ideas tangible through practical application. It’s been an engaging way to explore scientific principles—comparable to the precise process of brewing the perfect espresso.
+
+- **Applied Algebra**: Strengthening my algebraic skills has proven invaluable, especially in problem-solving scenarios that require analytical thinking. The practical applications of these skills are vast and exciting— kind of like calculating the ideal coffee-to-water ratio!
+
+- **Ethics in Technology**: This course challenged me to think critically about the moral implications of technological advancements. It's a crucial area as technology continues to evolve rapidly, impacting society in profound ways—much like how innovations in coffee brewing have transformed our mornings.
+
+- **Cloud Foundations**: Completing this course was a significant milestone, capped by earning my **AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification**. This achievement feels like a testament to my dedication and hard work, opening doors to new career opportunities in the cloud computing field.
+
+Reflecting on these courses, I’m proud of the effort I’ve put in and the knowledge I’ve gained. Each has prepared me for new challenges and adventures.
+
+**Espresso Yourself: Excitement for Next Steps**
+
+Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to embark on my next semester with **Web Development Foundations** and **Web Development Applications**. With my experience building and hosting a couple of websites, I'm excited to deepen my knowledge in these areas. It’s incredibly rewarding to see ideas come to life online, similar to watching a barista perfect their craft.
+
+**Final Thoughts: Brewing Success**
+
+As I move forward, I remain committed to my educational goals, excited for the challenges and opportunities ahead. The journey is as important as the destination, and I’m grateful for each step taken so far. Here’s to continued growth, new skills, and achieving my aspirations in this ever-evolving educational landscape.
+
+Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to explore new horizons—because like a good cup of coffee, there’s always something brewing!

life/_posts/2025-02-27-from-beans-to-bills-crafting-my-first-project-quote.md

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+---
+layout: post
+title: "from beans to bills: crafting my first project quote"
+---
+
+
+As I embark on the journey of freelancing, I found myself transitioning from creative coffee shop sessions to the business side of things. Like a well-brewed cup of coffee, managing my finances requires the right blend of tools and practices. Recently, I set up some essential systems that will help me streamline my invoicing process, including self-hosted InvoiceNinja software and a PayPal business account. Join me as I walk you through my experience of crafting my first project quote and the choices I made along the way.
+
+## Brewing the Right Tools: Why I Chose InvoiceNinja
+
+When it came to invoicing solutions, I needed something that was both flexible and easy to use. After researching various options, I settled on a self-hosted version of **InvoiceNinja**. This open-source software allowed me to have complete control over my data—much like crafting the perfect roast to suit my taste buds. 
+
+Self-hosting means I can customize the software according to my needs, and I love the idea of managing invoices without relying solely on a third-party provider. It’s important for me to keep my operations as streamlined and personalized as a cozy coffee shop experience.
+
+## Setting Up a PayPal Business Account: A Step Towards Professionalism
+
+In tandem with InvoiceNinja, I opened a **PayPal business account**. Why PayPal? Its widespread recognition and reliability make it an ideal choice for freelancers and service providers alike. More importantly, I wanted to leverage the **PayPal API** for seamless integration with InvoiceNinja. This integration enables my clients to pay invoices directly through their PayPal accounts, creating a smoother transaction process.
+
+The setup was straightforward—just like brewing a basic cup of coffee. I went through PayPal’s registration process, ensuring I provided all the necessary information for a business account. Once my account was active, diving into the API documentation was my next step, which paved the way for my future work with InvoiceNinja.
+
+## Crafting My First Project Quote: A Blend of Creativity and Precision
+
+With the systems in place, it was time to craft my first project quote. I approached it with the same care I put into creating my favorite coffee blend, ensuring every detail was perfect.
+
+1. **Defining the Scope**: I laid out what the project entailed—including deliverables, timelines, and any specific requirements from the client. Clarity here is essential to avoid misunderstandings later.
+
+2. **Pricing**: I accounted for my time, the resources I’d need, and any potential expenses. Similar to calculating the cost of specialty beans, finding the right balance in pricing is crucial to ensure I’m compensated fairly while remaining competitive.
+
+3. **Creating the Quote in InvoiceNinja**: With everything defined, I jumped into InvoiceNinja. The platform made it easy to create a polished quote with customizable templates. I added my branding (because what’s a business without a little personal flair?) and ensured the document looked professional yet inviting.
+
+4. **Integrating PayPal**: Next, I set up the integration with PayPal, enabling a “Pay Now” button directly on the invoice. This feature is like a cherry on top of my coffee—making it easy for clients to settle their bills without delay.
+
+5. **Sending the Quote**: Finally, I hit send! A mix of excitement and nervousness coursed through me. The quote looked great, and I was eager to see how my client would respond.
+
+## The Aftertaste: Reflection and Learning
+
+Crafting my first project quote was a learning experience—one that parallels tasting new coffee varieties. As I sip and savor, I reflect on what went well and what I could improve in future transactions. 
+
+The combination of self-hosted InvoiceNinja and PayPal has set the tone for how I will manage my finances moving forward. Having these tools in place not only streamlines my process but also provides my clients with a professional experience—much like being served the perfect brew in a café.
+
+As I continue this journey, I look forward to refining my invoicing skills and serving clients with the same passion I bring to my craft. If you're on your own freelancing path, remember: success comes from blending the right tools to create a delightful experience for both you and your clients. Cheers to many more quotes, projects, and expansive horizons ahead!

life/_posts/2025-02-28-coffee-code-and-creativity-the-launch-of-my-new-website.md

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+---
+layout: post
+title: "coffee, code, and creativity: the launch of my new website"
+---
+
+
+I’m excited to announce the launch of my brand-new web development website! This venture has been a blend of creativity, dedication, and a lot of caffeinated brainstorming. The goal of my website is to serve as a landing page for potential clients, showcasing my skills and the services I offer, much like a beautifully curated coffee menu at your favorite café.
+
+## Welcome to My Digital Space!
+
+### Who Am I?
+
+Just like each coffee has its unique flavor profile, I bring a distinct set of skills and experiences to web development. I specialize in creating responsive, user-friendly websites that not only look good but also function seamlessly. My passion for design and coding drives me to deliver solutions tailored to each client’s needs. 
+
+### What I Offer
+
+On my newly launched website, you’ll find a clear overview of my services:
+
+- **Custom Web Development**: From concept to launch, I can create a website that matches your vision and goals.
+- **Responsive Design**: All of my sites are designed to be mobile-friendly, ensuring a smooth experience for users on any device.
+- **E-commerce Solutions**: Ready to take your business online? I’ll help you set up an engaging and easy-to-navigate online store.
+- **SEO Optimization**: Let's make sure your website is visible when potential customers are searching for your services.
+- **Ongoing Support**: I believe in building long-term relationships. I provide ongoing support and maintenance to keep your site running smoothly.
+
+## Why Choose Me?
+
+In a world full of options, why should you choose to work with me? Here are a few reasons:
+
+- **Personalized Approach**: I take the time to understand your unique needs and goals, just like how a barista will customize your order based on your preferences.
+- **Quality First**: My commitment to quality ensures that every project I take on meets high standards.
+- **Timely Delivery**: I value your time as much as a good cup of coffee—prompt, efficient service is guaranteed.
+
+## Portfolio Showcase
+
+Your first impression matters, and that’s why I’ve included a portfolio section showcasing my previous projects. Each piece reflects my capabilities and attention to detail, just like a well-crafted beverage reflects a barista's skill. This section will give you an idea of the work I do and the quality you can expect when you choose to collaborate with me.
+
+## Get in Touch
+
+I know that starting a new project can feel overwhelming, just like choosing the perfect brew in a coffee shop. That’s why I’ve made it easy for you to reach out. If you have an idea, a project in mind, or just want to chat about web development, my contact form is just a click away. Let's take that first step together!
+
+## Subscribe for Insights
+
+Additionally, I invite you to subscribe to my blog for tips, tutorials, and industry insights. Much like sharing coffee brewing techniques, I believe in sharing knowledge and helping others grow in their web journey.
+
+## Conclusion: Cheers to New Beginnings!
+
+Launching my web development website is an exciting milestone, and I can’t wait to connect with you and help bring your ideas to life. Thank you for visiting, and I hope to work with you soon to create something extraordinary together. Cheers to new beginnings and a future rich with possibilities!