Topics: Introduction, Professional, Personal, Closing, Favorite Quotations

Hello! I’m K.W. “Will” Murray

From a curious kid tinkering with an electronics kit to a seasoned IT professional and aspiring writer, my journey has been anything but ordinary. I’ve been called a modern “Renaissance man” with a “can-do” attitude, and I suppose that’s a fair assessment. My passion for technology, combined with a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact, has shaped a career that’s as diverse as it is fulfilling.

My Professional Journey

My journey in the professional world is as diverse as it is dynamic, blending technology, creativity, and education in a unique tapestry of skills and experiences.

My love affair with technology began early, igniting a passion that has driven my career. I’m adept at networking both computers and people, finding joy in connecting with strangers and seeing the world through their eyes. While there are days when the frustrations of technology make me question my career choice, the satisfaction of a perfectly tuned network makes it all worthwhile.

But my professional life extends far beyond just IT. I’m a creative at heart, with a strong background in graphic and web design. I’ve honed my skills in both analog and digital audio-video editing, bringing ideas to life through visual and auditory mediums. Photography is another passion, allowing me to capture moments and tell stories through images.

My way with words extends to various forms of writing. As a technical writer, I’ve translated complex concepts into clear, accessible language. My editing and copywriting skills have helped polish and perfect countless documents. I’ve even ventured into other forms of writing, always eager to explore new ways to communicate and express ideas.

Education and mentorship play a significant role in my professional life as well. I’ve developed curricula for various subjects, combining my technical knowledge with my understanding of effective learning strategies. My experience as a teacher and coach, particularly in youth programs and sports, has allowed me to share my knowledge and help others grow.

In the realm of web development, I’ve created everything from simple informational sites to complex e-commerce platforms. I’m comfortable with a variety of programming languages and web technologies, always eager to learn and implement the latest innovations.

Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats – from IT consultant and network administrator to graphic designer and educator. I’ve tackled diverse challenges, from complex infrastructure upgrades to creating engaging educational materials. My ability to explain technical concepts clearly has made me a sought-after trainer and documentarian.

Entrepreneurship has also been a significant part of my journey. I grew a sole proprietorship into a thriving IT consultancy with multiple brands, serving businesses, nonprofits, and religious organizations. This experience taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing tech world.

Recently, I earned an Associate’s degree in CIS Programming, reflecting my commitment to lifelong learning. I’m now focusing on project management, excited about roles that leverage my diverse skills to drive innovation and efficiency.

My professional life is a testament to my belief in continuous learning and growth. Whether I’m optimizing a network, designing a website, editing a document, or teaching a class, I bring enthusiasm, expertise, and a human touch to everything I do. It’s this combination of technical know-how, creative flair, and people skills that defines my professional identity and drives me to take on new challenges.

The Personal Side of Me

But there’s more to me than just my professional achievements. I grew up on the Central Coast of California (you might have known me better as Kevin back then) and moved to the Sacramento area in 1999. I love it here, and I’m grateful for the time I had with my parents, who played a significant role in shaping who I am today.

Besides computers, I have a deep love for the outdoors. From 2016 to 2023, I was actively involved as a Scout leader, which reignited my passion for hiking and camping. I frequently went on adventures with my nephews, niece, and other Scouts. These days, I try to go on at least one trip somewhere each month with my friends, often van camping or hiking. These experiences in nature are a wonderful counterbalance to my tech-focused work life.

I’m an animal lover at heart. Throughout my life, I’ve had the joy of caring for many pets, including dogs, cats, fish, and rabbits, as well as a horse, hamster, salamander, and even an ant farm. Growing up in a rural area gave me countless opportunities to spend time in nature, experiences for which I’m truly grateful.

Online, you might know me as “Willscrlt” (pronounced “Will Scarlet”), a handle I’ve used since 1987. It’s a nod to both my name and my once-red hair, as well as my childhood love for Robin Hood adventures.

I’m an ENFP personality type, which means I’m enthusiastic, creative, and people-oriented. I’m passionate about causes dear to me and love intense conversations about life, the universe, and everything. Despite being outgoing, I’m also a bit of a private person. I’m not hiding things; I just believe in the value of personal space.

In Closing

My journey from a curious kid to a seasoned IT professional showcases the power of passion, perseverance, and embracing change. Whether I’m optimizing a network, mentoring a young coder, or crafting clear technical documentation, I bring enthusiasm, expertise, and a human touch to everything I do.

I’m a go-getter, entrepreneur, and do-it-myselfer who thrives on variety and creative expression. I dislike routine and repetition, preferring roles where I can make meaningful contributions and affect outcomes. However, I honor my commitments and am tenacious in seeing tasks through to completion.

As I look to the future, I’m excited about opportunities that allow me to leverage my diverse skill set, continue learning, and make a positive impact. Whether it’s in IT, writing, or a field yet unknown, I’m ready for the next chapter in my Renaissance journey.

In the end, I’m that guy who turns life’s lemons into lemonade, always looking for solutions rather than dwelling on problems. And while you might not find me clubbing all night, you’ll certainly find me engaged in some fascinating project, spending time with loved ones, or diving deep into a good book or TV show.

So, that’s me – Will Murray, Willscrlt, IT professional, aspiring writer, lifelong learner, and modern Renaissance man. It’s nice to meet you!

I will leave you with some quotations that inspire me…

Favorite Quotations

“No problems — only solutions waiting to be found.”
—Paraphrase of “Flynn” from Tron

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” and its companion, “Do as you will, but harm no others.” Both of which could be summarized with the question: “Can’t we all just get along?”

“The mere formulation of a problem is far more often essential than its solution, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skill. To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle requires creative imagination and marks real advances in science.”
—Albert Einstein

“You can’t be a resource for others unless you nourish yourself.”
—Alexandra Stoddard

“[It’s okay to] be scared. You can’t help that. But don’t be afraid.”
—William Faulkner

“In life, attendance is mandatory, but participation is up to you.”
—Unknown

“Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official, save exactly to the degree in which he himself stands by the country. It is patriotic to support him insofar as he efficiently serves the country. It is unpatriotic not to oppose him to the exact extent that by inefficiency or otherwise he fails in his duty to stand by the country.”
—President Theodore Roosevelt

“We all experience the same world, yet everyone’s interpretation of it is unique.”
—Paraphrase of something I heard before

“To succeed, the main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing.”
—Unknown

These quotes and paraphrases of quotes and ideas are some of my core attitudes and values for life.