FantasyDesigned Blog

Remembering My “Why” Keeps Me Moving Forward

July 19, 2025
Whenever I hit a tough spot—whether it’s a long study session, a confusing concept, or the feeling that there’s still so much to learn—I remind myself of one simple but powerful thing:
my why.

I didn’t choose IT just for the sake of a diploma or a paycheck. I chose it because I’ve always been curious about how technology works. Because I wanted to prove to myself that it’s never too late to learn something new. Because I wanted to build a future that challenges and excites me.

And that deeper reason—that why—is what keeps me going even when the process feels hard.

My “Why” Looks Like This:
- 🌱 Growth: I want to keep learning and evolving, no matter my age or past experience
- 💻 Impact: I want to use my skills to help others and solve real problems
- 🎯 Opportunity: I’m creating more choices and freedom for my future
- 💪 Confidence: I’m proving to myself that I can achieve what I once thought was out of reach
Your “why” is your anchor. It’s the reason you start—and the reason you keep going, even when the path isn’t easy.

So whenever I feel tired or overwhelmed, I go back to that. And every time I do, I find the strength to take one more step.

What’s your why?

“When you know your why, you’ll find your how.”
— Michael Hyatt
The Power of Small Wins: Why I Celebrate Every Step

July 17, 2025
In a world that loves big announcements—graduations, certifications, job offers—it’s easy to overlook the smaller victories. But here’s what I’ve learned on my journey in IT:
Small wins are what get you to the big ones.

Every time I solve a bug, finish a tough assignment, study when I’m tired, or complete a blog post like this… I’m making progress. These moments don’t always get applause, but they add up—quietly, consistently, powerfully.

In fact, those little victories are often the most important. They keep me moving forward when the finish line still feels far away. They remind me that even on my slowest days, I’m still building momentum.

What I Count as a Small Win:
- ✅ Understanding a new concept after struggling with it
- 🔧 Fixing a technical issue on my own
- 📚 Completing a study goal I set for the week
- 🎯 Staying consistent, even when motivation fades
- ✍️ Writing one more blog post to track my journey
If you’re on your own learning path—especially in IT—don’t wait for the big moments to celebrate.
Every step forward is progress. Every challenge overcome is proof that you’re growing.

You’re doing more than you think. Keep going. Keep stacking those small wins.

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”
— Robert Collier
The Best Way to Learn IT? Get Your Hands on It

July 16, 2025
I’ve spent the last year buried in IT concepts—hardware, software, networks, databases, coding, project management. But there’s one thing I’ve learned that no textbook or video can fully teach you:
The best way to learn IT is to do IT.

When I built my first gaming PC, ran my own benchmarks, and solved a power issue on my own, I realized I was learning more in that one experience than I had in weeks of theory. That’s not to say the studying wasn’t important—it absolutely is—but hands-on experience connects the dots.

From configuring systems to testing software and even writing this blog, each real-world task makes the knowledge stick. It’s one thing to understand a concept… it’s another to live it.

How Hands-On Experience Has Helped Me:
- 🧠 I understand how systems work together – It’s no longer abstract
- ⚙️ I’ve learned to troubleshoot under pressure – Mistakes became lessons, not failures
- 📈 I feel more confident with every success (and every fix)
- 💼 I’m building a practical portfolio – Proof that I can do more than just pass a test
As I move toward graduation and certification, I know that my edge isn’t just in what I know—it’s in what I’ve done.
And the more I build, break, fix, test, and learn, the more I realize:
This is how I become a real IT professional.

“Knowledge is not skill. Knowledge plus ten thousand times is skill.”
— Shinichi Suzuki
Building More Than a PC—Building Confidence in Myself

July 15, 2025
Every new project I take on, every test I pass, every blog post I write… it’s doing more than just building skills.
It’s building confidence.

When I first started my degree in Information Technology, I didn’t always feel like I belonged in the tech world. I was excited—but I questioned myself a lot. Was I smart enough? Tech-savvy enough? Too late to the game?

But step by step, that doubt has turned into belief.

I built a gaming PC from scratch—something that once felt intimidating, and now feels like second nature. I benchmarked my systems, troubleshot issues, and started preparing for industry certifications. I’m almost done with my degree. And I’ve documented it all, post by post, not just for others—but for myself.

Here’s What I Know Now:
- 🔧 Every challenge is a chance to grow
- 🧠 Confidence comes from action, not waiting to feel “ready”
- 🎓 You don’t have to know everything—you just have to keep learning
- 📈 The progress you don’t notice daily becomes powerful when you look back
Confidence in tech isn’t about being perfect. It’s about persistence. It’s about being brave enough to try, patient enough to learn, and determined enough to come back after setbacks.

I may not be at the finish line yet—but I’m not standing where I started. And that’s worth celebrating.

“Confidence is what you earn when the hard work meets the quiet belief that you’re capable.”
— Unknown
Benchmarking Progress: My New PC Crushes the Old One (Literally 2x Better!)

July 14, 2025
After getting my new gaming PC up and running, I wanted to really see what it could do. So, I did what any curious tech builder would do:
I ran a 3DMark benchmark test.

For fun—and for comparison—I also ran the same test on my old PC. And the results?
The new build outperformed the old one by more than double.

The performance increase was clear across the board: smoother graphics rendering, faster frame rates, better thermal control, and more consistent overall scores. It’s one thing to feel the difference—but seeing it backed up by hard data was incredibly satisfying.

What This Test Confirmed:
- 🚀 All that research and effort paid off – Specs matter, and so does smart hardware pairing
- 🧠 Benchmarking is a valuable IT skill – It helps validate build performance, identify bottlenecks, and plan upgrades
- 🛠️ My hands-on knowledge is growing – I can now compare systems objectively, not just anecdotally
My new PC is officially a beast compared to what I was using before—and this is just phase one. I still have upgrades planned to push it even further, but even at its current state, it’s a massive leap in capability.

This was more than a benchmark test—it was a snapshot of progress. Proof that with the right tools, mindset, and a little trial and error, you can build something far beyond where you started.

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
— Zig Ziglar
My New PC Is Up and Running—And It’s Only Getting Better

July 13, 2025
The PC I built from scratch is officially up and running—and yes, it booted to Windows on the first try (after a minor cable fix 😅).

It’s been incredibly rewarding to see something I assembled myself spring to life. So far, it’s running great—smooth, fast, responsive. Even basic tasks feel better on a system you built with your own hands.

But like any good tech project, there’s always room to grow.

While it’s already performing well, I still have a few upgrades planned to take it to full gaming capacity. A more powerful GPU, additional RAM, and maybe even a cooling upgrade are on my radar. For now, though, it’s fantastic—and I’m enjoying every second of seeing what it can do.

What This Experience Taught Me:
- 🧠 Real-world IT knowledge matters – I applied what I’ve studied in school to a real hardware build
- 🛠️ Upgrades are a process, not a rush – Building in stages lets you learn and appreciate each improvement
- 🔄 Troubleshooting is part of the journey – And now I get why things like BIOS updates and PSU wattage matter
- 🎯 Progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be exciting – Even before it’s “maxed out,” this system is a huge win
This build represents more than just hardware. It’s a milestone in my IT journey—and a big confidence boost heading into the final stretch of my degree and certification goals.

One upgrade at a time, one step at a time… this PC (and this career path) just keeps getting better.

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
— Arthur Ashe
I Built My First Gaming PC (And It Actually Works!)

July 11, 2025
After weeks of research, planning, and waiting on shipments…
I finally built my first gaming PC from scratch—and it’s up and running!

As someone who’s been studying IT, I’ve always loved learning how computers work. But putting one together piece by piece? That’s a whole new level of hands-on learning—and I’m proud to say I did it myself.

Sure, there were a few hiccups. At one point I forgot to plug in a cord (classic rookie move), and I spent a few minutes wondering why there was no power. But once I fixed it and everything lit up… I’ll be honest—it felt amazing.

What I Learned From the Build:
- 🧩 Cable management takes patience – but it’s worth it for airflow and aesthetics
- ⚡ Double-check every connection – one unplugged wire can hold up the whole system
- 💡 Watch the motherboard manual closely – especially for fan headers, power switch pins, and front panel connections
- 🧠 Building a PC teaches real-world troubleshooting – the perfect complement to my IT coursework
This wasn’t just about building a gaming machine—it was about proving to myself that I can take what I’m learning and apply it in real life.

The best part? It runs beautifully, and I can’t wait to game and study on a system I built with my own two hands.

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
— Benjamin Franklin
Ambition Needs Balance: Why I’m Learning to Pace My Progress

July 10, 2025
I’m a goal-setter. A checklist-maker. A “let’s do one more task” kind of person. And while that drive has helped me finish courses, pass exams, and grow in IT and leadership, I’ve also had to learn something just as important:
You can be ambitious and still need rest.

With graduation around the corner, certification prep in progress, NSLS induction behind me, and new opportunities ahead, it’s tempting to push non-stop. But pushing too hard without recovery doesn’t lead to success—it leads to burnout.

That’s why I’m learning to pace myself—to recognize when I need a pause, when progress can wait until tomorrow, and when success is better served by slowing down for just a moment.

How I’m Finding Balance:
- 🌿 Scheduling rest like a priority – Not as an afterthought
- 🎯 Focusing on one goal at a time – Depth beats multitasking
- 🧘 Listening to my energy, not just my to-do list
- 🧩 Letting “enough” be enough for today – Progress doesn’t have to be perfect
Ambition is a powerful force—but it’s not sustainable without balance. The best version of me—the one who finishes this degree, earns certifications, leads with impact, and enters the tech field confidently—is also the version that knows when to breathe.

If you’re chasing big goals, too—remember: taking care of yourself is part of the plan.

“You don’t have to set yourself on fire to keep others warm.”
— Unknown
Officially Inducted: What My NSLS Membership Means to Me

July 9, 2025
On July 1, 2025, I achieved something truly meaningful in my personal and academic journey:
I was officially inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS).

When I first received the nomination, I felt honored. When I accepted it, I felt motivated. And now that I’ve completed the Foundations of Leadership program and crossed the induction finish line, I feel proud—not just of the recognition, but of the growth that came with it.

NSLS isn’t just a title or a line on my resume—it’s a reflection of the work I’ve done to show up, lead myself, and support others on their path too. The program helped me sharpen my goals, step outside my comfort zone, and reflect on what kind of leader I want to become.

What NSLS Has Taught Me:
- 🎯 Leadership is action – It’s about showing up consistently, not waiting for a title
- 🧠 Self-awareness matters – Understanding my values and communication style helps me grow
- 🤝 Connection is key – Leadership isn’t about being the loudest; it’s about listening and lifting others
- 🚀 Growth takes intention – Every goal, SMART step, and reflection got me closer to who I want to be
I’m incredibly proud to be part of a community that values purpose-driven leadership and continuous self-development. And as I finish my degree and work toward certifications like CompTIA A+ and CAPM®, I’ll carry these lessons with me into every project, team, and opportunity ahead.

Here’s to leading by example—and building a future rooted in growth.
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”
— Simon Sinek
Graduation Is Just the Beginning: What I’m Preparing for Next

July 8, 2025
I’m almost at the finish line of my bachelor’s degree in Information Technology—and while I’m incredibly proud of that milestone, I know one thing for sure:
GrI’m almost at the finish line of my bachelor’s degree in Information Technology—and while I’m incredibly proud of that milestone, I know one thing for sure:
Graduation is not the end. It’s the first step forward.

After I finish my final course and capstone projects, I’ll be shifting gears—but not slowing down. My next goals are to continue preparing for:
- 🖥️ CompTIA A+ Certification Exams – To validate my hands-on IT support skills and launch my professional credibility
- 📋 Project Management CAPM® (Certified Associate in Project Management) – To strengthen my leadership, organization, and planning skills for IT projects and cross-functional teams
These certifications will help bridge my academic foundation into the real-world tech and business environment. More than that, they’ll give me confidence—because I’m investing in myself, my knowledge, and my future.

Why I’m Still Studying After Graduation:
- 🎯 To stay competitive – Certifications open doors and prove readiness to employers
- 🔍 To sharpen my skills – Applying what I’ve learned in new, practical ways
- 🚀 To build momentum – I want to keep growing, not pause after I earn my degree
- 📚 Because I love learning – And this field never stops evolving
Finishing school is a big deal. But staying focused after graduation is what turns potential into purpose.

I’m proud of how far I’ve come—but I’m even more excited about where I’m going.

“Success is never owned; it is rented—and the rent is due every day.”
— Rory Vaden