Hello everyone,

Greetings from mrray up in the North! I am truly grateful for the opportunity to know about Steemit. Actually I found this out via @sirwinchester, who posted about it on a forum I recently joined as well (I will be keeping it unnamed for the purposes of privacy.) I am actually still quite young, and I have just recently graduated from a school here in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, majoring in Commerce and specifically focusing on Business & IT. My passion is for all things technology, so I am more heavily educated on Information Technology. Some courses I have taken are Application Development, Networking Fundamentals, Java Programming, Information Security & Privacy, and Windows Server 2012 with Active Directory, to name a few. I also acquired skills on the business side of things, including Project Management, Business Analysis and Development, and Systems Design and Analysis! Very complex subjects, but I enjoyed them all. 

Along the way, I made some great colleagues throughout my tenure at my University - some of them I knew from high school! Communication is not as often as it was during the academic years, but I still do chat with them occasionally. The entire dynamic of University was a mind-blowing, awesome experience for me overall, and I don't regret any second of it.

Of course there were hard times along the way. Failed tests and exams, time management conflicts, and stressful situations outside of school entirely. The most vivid memory of a down moment in my life came in 2015...my grandfather passed away. 

Running Through Memory Lane

In September of 2015, I had gone to school the entire day going to classes, and even staying after a little bit to apply for a summer opportunity that my program faculty presented via e-mail! I was very interested at the time, and stayed a little while to go to their office to submit an application. This was around 3-4PM EST.

When I arrived home at 5-6PM (times were off because that was not on my mind), my home's setting was a bit skewed. My mother had taken the day off, and had told me that her, my Grandpa and Grandma were going to a normal checkup for my Grandfather's Emphysema condition. 

My last encounter with my Grandpa was short, but loving and sweet. We were both in the washroom at the time, and I had finished brushing my teeth, while he was still doing his business (side note: this was the norm at our house. If someone had to go, they had to go!), and he asked me,

"Going?"

"Yes, Itay" (Itay basically means Father, although he was my Grandfather)

And off I went. Little did I know, that was the last time I'd ever talk to him again. 

My grandpa and I had a great relationship - as do most grandparents and grandsons do. It's this unique relationship that cannot be comprehended in words. He loved me so much. He did little things for me as a little child (he and my Grandpa babysat me while my parents had work in the daytime/afternoon), like cooking meals for me. My favourite was Lipton's Chicken Noodle Soup! He ALWAYS tried it before serving it to me. Always - just to make sure that the temperature wouldn't burn my mouth. How did I know he was doing this? Peaking through my kitchen door as he cooked my meal. He bought my pizza when I had pulled a big tantrum in the nearby pizza store. He whistled sweet songs to put me to sleep. I could go on, and on...but that was my grandpa. 

Seeing him in the ER for the final time - I wanted him to hear my voice one final time. I cried out "Itay" in front of my mom, aunties, uncles, and cousins. I loved him so much. He was my best friend at home - he was usually at home during his final years - and I always checked up on him, and tried my best to cheer him up despite his worsening condition, make him laugh. All I could do was show love, even when he was battling daily for breathe and life.

Almost two years later, I am still reminiscing and thinking about my grandfather. That was the lowest point in my life, but through that came a big transformation in my life.

My Life Was Changed

After that event in my life, I had received tremendous encouragement and comfort from all the loved ones in my life - even ones I don't talk to as much, which is extremely comforting. I had balled my eyes out in private, but stayed strong willed in public, while sharing my stories to the people gathering in the funeral room. 

I don't know what or why I changed, but I do know that I am not the same person I was two years ago. I saw life more as a blessing, I treated others with respect. But I don't think this was my own doing. I believe that my personal relationship with my Savior Jesus Christ used that moment to transform me into a person like Him. Yes, I am an avid believer in Christianity, and I believe that He carried me through that moment, and used it for the betterment of my life. 

Since 2015, I've graduated University, found the woman of my dreams (whom I do intend to marry soon), and found a closer relationship and bond with my parents and living grandma. I wish my grandpa were here to witness these events in person, but I know He is in a better place!

Hobbies & Lifestyle

1) I love learning. I believe that no matter what age you are, as long as you are able, you can learn something new! I learn something new almost everyday with the Bible! Truly fascinating.

2) NBA. Basketball. I've been a fan since I was 3-4 years old. I remember vividly the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Competition in Oakland. Ever since then, I've been a Raptors fan ever since. My heart was crushed when Vince Carter missed the game winning shot in Philly in 2001 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals! I'm glad now the Raptors are improving, and we have a first-class organization and office to help lead us into a championship. Go Raptors Go! #WeTheNorth. 2nd Favorite Team? 2007-08 Boston Celtics. I could talk basketball day!

3) Christianity. I believe in Jesus died for my sins on the cross of Calvary, and resurrected three days later. Historically it adds up, and through the Holy Spirit, I am able to understand these things thoroughly and clearly. I hope to dabble a bit of my faith on these posts in the future. I am currently a leader in my local church here in Toronto. It is truly amazing to see growth as a congregation, and individually with each member. 

4)  Technology. I am a BIG techy guy. I love troubleshooting and solving IT problems, and creating applications via programming languages. Configurations, property changes, you name it! This love first came around 12 years old, when I created a website a bunch of my friends. Now, I do summer work running 5 websites, and I still have that same passion!

5) Love. I love to spend time with my girlfriend, loved ones, church friends and family, and even meeting strangers and conversing them even on the small things. This love comes from my reason in #3), my belief in a loving God.

Well, I believe I wrote quite a lot on here without much imagery or pictures. If you made it to the end, thank you so much for reading all of this! I am unfortunately not a big photo person, but feel free to add me on my LinkedIn page (link in bio), and I hope to be more proactive and involved in the community of SteemIt!

Till then,

mrray