// NOT A TRADITIONAL RESUME
The long way here.
My life, in progress.
A timeline that starts where it should: at the beginning. I'm Carlos Ruiz, born in Brooklyn, New York, in August 1999. I've been moving, making mistakes, learning skills, and changing direction ever since.
Brooklyn, New York
Born in Brooklyn. I grew up roaming the city, more interested in exploring than sitting still. I've always been drawn to movement, independence, and a little adrenaline.
Three high schools, one diploma
I attended Brooklyn Studio through my sophomore year, moved to Walton Central School District High School, and returned to Brooklyn to graduate from Franklin D. Roosevelt High School.
McDonald's, Walton, NY
My first job lasted a couple of hours. I lost my hat, and the owner, Don, told me not to return without it. I never returned.
That was when the unsettling realization kicked in: if I didn't learn as many skills and talents as I could, I might spend my life stuck doing work I didn't love in a place I couldn't wait to leave.
Construction and self-education
I worked around a family construction company and then bounced between jobsites, learning what good management looks like and teaching myself a lot of the trade through hard work and curiosity. Carpentry became both a livelihood and a lesson in patience.
Western Governors University
I'm enrolled at WGU in software engineering and am approximately 67% through the program. Computers and software have always held my attention, and I intend to finish what I started.
Law school and beyond
After WGU, I intend to pursue law school and work toward becoming a criminal defense attorney. The next chapter isn't written yet.
More than a career
Life is short, and I don't plan to spend it standing still. I want to try BASE jumping, rock climbing, and a wrestling club. I love bodybuilding and want to compete one day. I'd love to own a gym and build a grunge streetwear clothing brand aimed at people who feel the same way.
I've always loved poetry, songwriting, and making music. One day I want to buy a guitar and learn to play it. And despite my name being Carlos Ruiz, I don't speak Spanish yet. That feels wrong to me, so learning the language is on my list.
I want to keep traveling while I'm young, earn a living through building websites, and take carpentry projects for the joy of making something good. None of this fits neatly on a one-page resume. That's kind of the point.