Chapter 1: Introducing Myself

Hello! I'm Josh, and I like to think of myself as a panda—representing Black, White, and Asian heritage. I appreciate diversity and, of course, food!

I hail from Oakland, California, where I was born many years ago. My parents' paths crossed while my father served in Germany with a long Army career of 39 years, while my mother dedicated 40 years to education. As an only child from families with numerous siblings, I have a plethora of cousins, making family reunions a colorful blend of cultures.

Both my parents were pioneers in their families, being the first to attend college and pursue advanced degrees, eventually earning doctorates. In contrast, I’m still without a doctorate, which leads to some amusing family discussions at the dinner table. They always emphasized the significance of education and encouraged me to choose a career in one of three fields:

1. Engineering
2. Medicine
3. Law

However, I took a different route and delved into computers and technology at a young age. I vividly remember disassembling and reassembling my dad's Apple II, even leaving the mouse in a cup of water, thinking it needed a drink while I worked—an amusing memory from my second-grade days.

Chapter 2: My College Experience

Fast forward to my college years in California, while my family was situated in Washington D.C. Soon after, they relocated to Fort Hood, Texas. With budget flights to SFO for about $49, impromptu visits became a norm. My parents are my best friends, and I cherish our relationship, but after years of constant moving, the freedom of college life was exhilarating.

During my time at university, I joined a fraternity, met my girlfriend, built friendships, and ultimately graduated with multiple degrees (BA, MA, MBA, MSIST). Yet, still no doctorate—something I’m working on!

Chapter 3: My Current Life and Interests

Currently, I find myself in a hotel room in Monterrey, California, where my grandparents settled post-retirement. It’s my personal sanctuary, complete with beach views and fresh salt air, and it’s always hoodie weather—much preferred over D.C.'s hot and humid climate. For the past eight years, I've been managing my own company, which requires me to travel frequently between California and D.C.

In my downtime, I'm an avid reader, always on the lookout for nonfiction recommendations. My interests lie in empathy, mindfulness, and meditation, and I practice various techniques to cultivate my "inner peace" daily. I also enjoy cinema, psychology, philosophy, and cognition, having taken a few relevant courses alongside my STEM studies.

As a member of the AMC A-List, I appreciate countless films and directors, and while I can’t name them all, I have a profound love for cinema.

Chapter 4: A Personal Reflection

Writing this feels somewhat akin to a dating profile as I reflect on my experiences. I genuinely enjoy long beach walks, traveling, attending concerts, and spending quality time with friends. This year alone, I've enjoyed trips to a beach resort in Costa Rica, visited Colombia in February, and explored South Africa in March. I even took my mom to a J. Cole and Drake concert and maintain my love for golf.

My favorite color is blue, I can listen to Nipsey Hussle on repeat, and I battle chronic insomnia—hence, my motivation for writing this piece. Dave Chappelle is my favorite comedian; his performance in "Killing Them Softly" remains one of my most memorable experiences, leaving me in stitches.

As I wrap up this reflection at 753 words, I’ll conclude with a thought-provoking quote often misattributed to Robin Williams:

“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”

Regardless of its origin, the message resonates with how I strive to conduct myself daily. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you've made it this far, I applaud your patience! Life is about appreciating the little things, so remember to show kindness to others, whether they are strangers or loved ones—it truly uplifts the spirit.