An Update On My End

Wow, it's been a long time since my last post. I guess that's what happens when you have major life milestones littered throughout the year.

In May, I graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a BS in Computational and Applied Mathematics. For me, it's a really bittersweet moment. While I'm super proud of completing my degree in two years, often I find myself lamenting about the missed opportunities to meet new people and make new experiences. Having to put in 18-20 hours at the library helped me to build the resilience, determination, and confidence to take on the challenges of the future but having the luxury to take time for myself would have been nice. The biggest lesson that I've learned is that you need to take care of yourself. If you can't, then you can't be there for those who depend on you.

In June, I went to my first KX Systems event in New York. I had a wonderful time meeting the best and brightest minds in the kdb+/q space. Being able to talk to the industry titans like Jeff Borror provided me more motivation to continue building and explore more of what I'm capable of. Additionally, everybody that I met was super nice and kind. Special shoutout to Michael, Stephanie, and Ryan on the KX team for checking in with me throughout the night. I can't wait to attend a meeting in the near future!

Finally, the biggest news of them all: In October, I started work for a Chicago based prop trading firm in their data infra team! I'm super excited to join the team and be right at the edge of the financial markets. As my mom likes to say, you're truly an adult once you start working so now I'll see if she's right.

Now that I'm not grinding applications, I hope to devote more time into my interests and producing more valuable content to share. In addition to my kdb+/q pursuits, I have picked up C++ audio plugin programming with the JUCE software. For now, we take a moment to relish in the present but dream for what future lies ahead.

Till then, take care. In due time, you shall hear from me.