Journal Entry – Starting Course 1

Foundations of IT Support

This week I’m starting the very first course in my RiseWithTech program, Foundations of IT Support. The idea behind this course is simple: if you want to work in IT, you need to understand the basics — your computer, your operating system, your network, and how to help people when things break.

My purpose for creating this course is twofold. First, it’s part of my therapy journey — I’m in Phase Two, Step Three, where I focus on professional development. Journaling and building these courses is my way of leveling up my skills and keeping myself accountable. Second, I want to design something practical that others can actually use to break into IT. Too many courses are abstract. I want mine to be hands-on, with real assignments that force you to learn by doing.

I’m approaching this as both the course creator and the first student. That means every assignment I design, I’m also completing myself — screenshots, troubleshooting, ticket responses, all of it. The journal will track that process. Each entry will capture what I learned, how it ties back to restaurant systems (where I’ve seen these concepts play out), and what the experience means for me personally.

I know I’m just getting started, but I want this to be more than a personal project. My long-term vision is that RiseWithTech becomes a platform where people can grow in both technology and in life — the same way I’m growing through this process. Starting with Course 1 feels like laying the foundation for something bigger, not just in IT but for my own success.