At 25, I never imagined becoming a programmer. But as a sales manager, I realized my Excel skills were superior, which inspired me to learn more about data. My love for data led me to Python and SQL. I started studying coding, statistics, and machine learning. I read books, took online courses, and worked on personal projects. It wasn't easy, but I was driven by my passion for data and its endless possibilities. When management saw my abilities, they moved me into a data analyst position, immediately immersing me in IT. My journey taught me that it's never too late to discover your passion and pivot your career.

I am a professional sommelier and Tea Master's Apprentice. Besides exploring different flavor profiles and pairings, I enjoy digging into the history, culture, and geology of the lands where these beverages originate. I find it fascinating to learn about the unique characteristics that make each wine and tea distinct, and I love to discover the stories behind the winemakers and tea growers who create them.

I enjoy discovering hidden gems that aren't on the typical tourist itinerary. Whether it's a local market, a street art installation, or a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, I always try to venture off the beaten path to get a true sense of the place I'm visiting. I also love visiting museums and historical sites because understanding the past is essential to understanding the present. 

EXPO was one of the latest exciting discoveries during a trip to Dubai in 2022. It was a fantastic experience, where you could've explored all the world's cultures and their habits in one place. Since then, I have made a commitment to attend every EXPO. The next one will be held in Japan in 2025.

Another hobby of mine is free-diving and snorkeling. I love the freedom of movement and the weightlessness of being underwater. It's an incredible feeling to be surrounded by marine life, and I am continually awed by the beauty and diversity of the ocean. An experience that nothing can compare with — the Maldivian reefs. I was lucky enough to swim side by side with sea turtles, reef sharks, and even manta rays. Next time I plan to learn to scuba dive.

I truly believe that the biggest danger to our planet is the thought that someone else will step up to save it. We all need to take responsibility for protecting our environment. My home country has a well-developed system for the separate collection of recyclables. Each month, we would collect the recyclables in labeled bags and deliver them to recycling centers, where the employees would transport them to the recycling plants that process specific types of waste. Now that I am in the USA, I am actively searching for ways to improve the recycling process in my local area.

I used to make many mistakes, and everyone kept saying I would understand how to improve myself one day. Three years ago, I found my muse and a guiding light; she makes me better every day. Her name is Alena; she is a talented graphic designer and aspiring UI/UX designer. She loves fashion, makeup, culinary, photography, houseplants, and Pokémon. She makes beautiful stuff from scratch; even this website would look like a piece of spreadsheet without her help. We share hobbies, passions, travels, and spare time. And now we are going through a difficult path of adaptation in a new country holding hands.