Brad Gizzi

Hobbies

Programming

Programming isn't just a hobby for me—it's a passion. I especially enjoy the challenge and creativity involved in developing Discord bots and designing websites. These projects give me a practical outlet to apply my coding skills, mainly using languages like Python and JavaScript. It’s thrilling to see something I’ve built from scratch come to life and be used by others.

Video Games

Gaming has always been a big part of my life. While I grew up deeply immersed in the blocky world of Minecraft, my interests have since evolved to more competitive gaming. Nowadays, I spend my gaming sessions on Overwatch, where strategy meets fast-paced action, and Valorant, which tests my precision and tactical skills. I also enjoy the open-world adventures in Sea of Thieves, where the thrill of exploration and sea battles always brings new surprises.

Music

Music was a significant aspect of my youth, particularly during my time with the Army Cadet Force. I learned to play the side drum, bugle, and flute—skills that taught me both discipline and the joy of musical expression. Although I don't play these instruments as much now, the fond memories and fundamental lessons they brought me still resonate deeply in my appreciation for music.

Drone Piloting

Drone piloting is a relatively new hobby of mine that combines technology with exploration. I own a thermal drone, which is not just fun to fly but also provides a unique perspective of the world from above. Whether I’m capturing thermal images to see heat variations or simply exploring hard-to-reach landscapes, drone flying offers a fascinating blend of science and nature.

Hiking and the Outdoors

There’s something inherently refreshing about being outdoors, whether it's a leisurely walk or wild camping. I love the sense of freedom that comes with exploring nature, escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and appreciating the beauty of the natural world in all its forms.

My background in IT

At the age of eight, I had a Nintendo DSi. This was my first "proper" access to the internet, and I soon discovered websites people were making for DSi users... social media sites of sorts. I soon started diving into the source code available to me, and discovered W3Schools, where I soon taught myself basic HTML, JavaScript and a sprinkle of PHP. This developed into a passion for all things technical, something my secondary school recognised.

In secondary school, I was taught Scratch and Python, although I picked this up extremely quickly, and soon was allowed to be a "teaching assistant" as sort, for work experience. The school then managed to get me on a Level 1 Diploma alongside my GCSE's. This though, was only in Art, Design and Media - so I started learning more and more JavaScript and Python in my spare time.

I completed my Level 1 and was soon ushered on to complete a Level 3 Extended Diploma as it was more what I was looking for, programming. Here I learned VB.NET, and more web development - alongside essential academic writing skills. At this point my passion was becoming a career.

Eventually I left school and college, then decided to take a short break from education, before embarking on a degree in Computer Science. I was extremely excited for this and was being pushed to do it my by peers. However little did I know, the year I started my further education (2019) would be testing.

Covid-19 swept it's way into our lives, and it would have a huge effect on me. I didn't come from a great upbringing, being thrown through the care system, and having other challenges, I never received homework. This combined with the way I struggle to work from home, and other factors, caused me to fall behind in my studies. As the pandemic wasn't going away, lockdown was still in full force, and the university was remaining remote - I withdrew from my studies.

I then spent a while developing my skills in the workplace, working my way up swiftly from small fry to management in two companies, one of which didn't pay me... though (you'll find me in the newspaper somewhere). In 2023 I was hoping to go for a business degree apprenticeship with my workplace, but then I thought... why? I don't want to do business as my career.

So here. we. are.