Successful despite some early challenges in life
/My time in high school
Attended high school in the
1990s
Overall high school experience
6/10. I was a nerd and was far from popular, I was not that into academics and the combination of the two made me an outsider. I did have some great friends many of whom I still know today 20 years later.
Grades in high school
B's and C's. I was a B student, got a few A's and a few C's.
Best subjects
Computer Science / Engineering / Technical, Visual Arts
Struggled with...
Math was hard for me, eventually in Junior College and College I did really well in math but in High School I struggled.
Favorite extracurricular
Performance Art
Life since high school
“If it had not been for the junior college system I would have not been able to get into a UC. That was a life saver and a second chance. Mid way through my UC education I switched from pure computer science to a minor as I knew I did not want to be a programmer. ”
Attended college / university at
I went to foothill after [high school name omitted], but did well and was able to transfer to UC San Diego.
Majored in
I majored in Political Science with a Minor in Computer Science.
Post-graduate education or training
Some executive education bootcamps and programs.
Places lived in US
California
Current occupations / past occupations
I'm an executive at a software startup.
Industries I've worked in
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (e.g. Law, Accounting, Interior Design, Graphic Design, R&D, PR, Advertising, etc.)
- Management of Companies and Enterprises
Did your education prepare you for your career or occupation?
Yes my education did overall but I don't feel like my major and minor did but it showed that I could complete a 4 year degree from a good school.
Has your education or career/occupation trajectory ever changed? How?
If it had not been for the junior college system I would have not been able to get into a UC. That was a life saver and a second chance. Mid way through my UC education I switched from pure computer science to a minor as I knew I did not want to be a programmer.
A little introspection...
To me, being successful means...
Being happy, providing for your family, having the things you need, and being able to have some of things you want.
My definition of success has changed over time.
After getting married and having kids family vs. just work became part of my view on success. Over time I saw happiness as part of the equation as well.
My greatest accomplishment to date and what I’ve learned from it
I don't have a single moment that sticks out but rather a series of things, building a family, helping build two successful startups, being able to buy a home in Palo Alto where I grew up, not having to worry about money.
My biggest mistake or regret so far and what I’ve learned from it
I don't have any major regrets, I tend to not dwell on the past. I do have a minor regret that I did not explore the world more when I was younger.
An unexpected event that changed my life and how it impacted me
When I was nearly in middle school my mother took her own life, I had to grow up quickly and decide if I was going to let the event destroy my life or get over it and move on. I got over it and moved on but it has certainly had a profound impact on me.
Anything else you'd like to share?
By a number of measures people would consider me successful but if you took a snapshot in high school I'm guessing you would never thing I would be where I am today.
This alumni is open to your questions and follow-ups.
In order to protect anonymity, we will pass along your message and they can choose whether to respond.
My favorite spot in or around Palo Alto
I love all the parks in Palo Alto.
[map pointing to Palo Alto Parks Maintenance]
