This has been an extremely challenging year for many of us with everything going on in the world and in our lives.

On December 7th, 2020, my aunt was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasized. She passed away 3 weeks later. She was the caretaker of my Alzheimer’s stricken grandmother, who we had to have her put into a nursing home which has put the family property in jeopardy.

On January 16th of this year my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.

During this time, I have spent probably 200 hours of PTO, several thousands of dollars, and put nearly 14000 miles on my truck to make sure my mother was at her appointments and able to get the prescriptions she needed, as well as trying to make sure my grandmother’s affairs were taken care of.

I spent many days sitting in hospital and clinic parking lots studying. In hindsight, I wonder if I should’ve taken time off from school. Regardless, I made it through two terms at WGU, completed the Comptia core certifications, completed the Jr. Pentester Path on TryHackMe, and transitioned my career.

I would like to thank everyone that has helped me this past year and wish everyone well in whatever they’re facing in 2022.

Luke

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