Happy 2024! I've been absent for a while, caught up in a whirlwind of exciting developments. My last update had me preparing for my Solutions Architect certification, a journey still in progress. The brief hiatus was due to my involvement in several incredible projects and a transition into a new role at the close of 2023. Yes, fellow tech enthusiasts, it's been a hectic time!

However, I've made a 2024 resolution: to document my journey more diligently. Not just for sharing insights but for personal reflection too. The past two years in the tech sphere have been nothing short of remarkable. My journey began as an IT Business Analyst, led me to relocate to Seattle, and allowed me to deepen my cloud expertise.

Focusing my career trajectory has become my priority. In the past, I dabbled in various areas - Data Analytics, Databases, Machine Learning, to name a few. But as I shift from a functional to a more technical role, honing skills specific to my niche is crucial. I've transitioned from a Cloud Billing Analyst to a Reserved Instance Operations Analyst, which has sparked a deeper interest in cloud technologies. Cloud management, along with identity and access management (IAM), and security, are fundamental aspects of this field. In my current role, I'm gaining hands-on experience with IAM policies and permissions, and I'm eager to delve further into cloud security.

While AI and Machine Learning will always be passions of mine, I recognize the importance of bolstering my cloud knowledge, especially since I'm already immersed in this realm and genuinely enjoy it.

I've completed the AWS Educate 'Getting Started with Security' program, gaining insights into various security products through hands-on labs, focusing on setting up users and roles with IAM. Additionally, I've enrolled in the Junior Cybersecurity Analyst course with Cisco, to lay a solid foundation in cybersecurity and aim for the CCST certification.

My goal is to obtain the Solutions Architect certification by the second quarter of this year. My approach this year is intentional learning: building projects, expanding my network, and sharing experiences - the triumphs, the challenges, and the strategies that keep me moving forward.

"The Marathon Continues." Stay tuned to witness my growth in 2024 and keep an eye out for something special I'll be unveiling soon!