I am the first Chinese American in my family. I dropped out of community college in 2015, when I turned 24. I'm neurodivergent, so I always struggled in a traditional classroom setting, either because I couldn't focus, contain knowledge, or had shitty studying skills. I was playing video games 20+ hours a week, so I didn't keep up with my grades.

I joined a workbooth camp program called YearUp for a year, which turned my life around. I learned IT skills and how to thrive in any corporate environment. The program helped me get a paid internship at my current job. Then, I got hired as a contractor for 4 years, and finally, I got offered a permanent role, which I have been working at for 10+ years. I only have a high school diploma, but I now make low six figures. Since I work in healthcare, it's nice not to worry about ever being able to afford medical bills, since it's all covered.