Learning From My Heroes and Building My Own Path

When I look back on my journey, I see how each step—returning to Pasadena City College, working side by side with my father, and building a side hustle around video games—has shaped the person I am becoming. None of it happened by accident. Each path has been a teacher, and together they’ve helped me realize that I want to build a business of my own, one rooted in passion, resilience, and care.

My father has always been my hero. He built his mechanic business, Diesel Solutions, L.L.C., from scratch and turned it into something respected and enduring. Watching him work has been one of the greatest lessons of my life. He’s not just a business owner—he’s a mentor, a teacher, and an example of what it means to lead with hard work and integrity. The way he connects with customers, manages challenges, and never gives up has shown me that business is about more than profit—it’s about people, dedication, and trust.

I’ve been blessed to learn from him while also pursuing my own education. At Pasadena City College, I found myself expanding my perspective. The classroom gave me the theory, while working with my dad gave me the practice. Together, they made me realize how much more there is to sales, management, and entrepreneurship than I had ever imagined. Those lessons gave me the courage to experiment with something I’ve always loved: video games.

What started as a simple side project—reselling consoles, games, and accessories—quickly grew into something meaningful. Every sale wasn’t just a transaction, it was an education. I learned how to read the market, how to connect with buyers, and how to create deals that left people genuinely happy. Some of my favorite moments included putting together bundles of refurbished systems and games, or flipping rare consoles that carried stories of their own. Each success gave me the confidence to dream bigger.

Now, when I think about the future, I see the possibility of opening my own video game store—something that combines my lifelong passion with the lessons I’ve inherited from my father and the education I’ve received along the way. I know it won’t happen overnight. Just like my dad’s journey, it will take time, practice, and resilience. But I welcome that challenge, because it feels authentic to who I am.

This is just the beginning, and I’m grateful every day for the people who inspire me—my father as a hero and mentor, my teachers who guided me, and my own curiosity that keeps me moving forward. I’ll keep sharing updates here on my blog, along with fresh content on my YouTube channel. I’m excited to see where this journey leads, and I hope you’ll join me along the way.