Career Roadmap
Zachary's work combines: Design, Technology, and Being Creative
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Garden Grove High School
Bachelor's Degree
Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design
The Art Institute of California-Orange County
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Web and Digital Interface Designers:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
In high school I knew I wanted to get into art.
2.
I took as many classes and worked on my skills as much as I could to get ahead.
3.
I dropped out of college and jumped into the industry.
4.
The friendships I made opened a lot of doors for me and my skills helped me through them.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Family:
You're going to be a starving artist" and "You should get a real job.
How I responded:
I heard what people had to say, but stood up to negativity by telling others (through words and actions) that "I refuse to spend the majority of my one life working at a job that I'm not passionate or proud of." I've worked a lot of odd and menial jobs along the way, but those were a means to an end that got me to where I am today. I'm very happy with what I have and proud of the hardships it took to get here.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
Coming out cut me off from my parents. I was a full time student working a full time job, trying to make ends meet, pay for school, and I'm a diabetic who was no longer insured and I needed to buy insulin and diabetic supplies to stay alive.
My dad was worried about the cost of school verses the income I'd have at the end. School was very expensive and why I dropped out early, but I worked very hard and I've landed a good job with a great salary.
I was homeless after coming out to my family. I put my pride aside and reached out to anyone who would help me. My counselor, friends, and extended family all contributed in large and small ways to helping keep me on my feet.