Back from My Hiatus: Where I’ve Been and What’s Next

Hey friends,

It’s been a minute.

After taking a much-needed hiatus to regroup, reset, and refocus, I’m finally back. Life didn’t slow down while I was gone. If anything, it moved faster. Between work, school, and going deeper into tech, I’ve been building something solid behind the scenes. Now it feels like the right time to share what I’ve been up to.

Tech-wise

During my time away, I really started leaning into two main areas I care about: backend development and cybersecurity. I’ve been getting hands-on with platforms like Hack The Box and TryHackMe, sharpening my skills in Linux, networking, and secure coding practices. I also started prepping for the CompTIA Security+ certification using Professor Messer, Zero to Mastery, and the penetration tester path on HTB Academy.

My goal is to become a cybersecurity engineer who’s fluent in backend. I want to understand how systems are built, how they break, and how to protect them at every layer.

School-wise

I’m still working on my Bachelor’s in Computer Science at University of the People. I recently passed the halfway mark, which feels surreal. This term, I’m taking four classes: Web Programming, Communications and Networking, Intro to Statistics, and Global Ethics. It’s a heavy load, but I’m learning how all of these pieces connect—from algorithms and protocols to ethics and decision-making in tech.

Balancing school, work, and self-study hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. I’m starting to see how it all fits into the bigger picture.

What’s Next

Now that I’m back online, I plan to share more of my journey. Whether it’s study strategies, tech breakdowns, or honest moments about burnout and bouncing back, I’m here for the long game. If you’re learning, switching paths, or just trying to stay afloat, I hope something I share helps you feel a little less alone.

Thanks for sticking with me. I’m excited for what’s ahead.