About me
Born on November 29, 1989, in Ukraine, my childhood was shaped by the challenges and realizations brought on by severe cerebral palsy. From a very young age, I understood that my journey was different from that of others. I didn't walk until I was six years old, a milestone that marked the beginning of my awareness of my unique circumstances.
Growing up, I found solace and inspiration in the world of books. The attic of our house was a treasure trove of scientific literature where I spent countless hours. Books on math, physics and chemistry were not just reading material for me; they were windows into a world where my physical limitations didn't define my potential. These books ignited a spark of curiosity and a relentless quest for knowledge that would become a defining characteristic of my life.
This period was also about developing resilience in the face of adversity. Encountering discrimination and inequality at a young age, I learned to look for deeper, more meaningful answers to the challenges I faced. Rather than accepting the simplistic explanations offered by society, I sought to understand the intricacies of my condition and the broader context of disability in the world. This pursuit of understanding was a crucial part of my development, shaping my perspective and approach to life's challenges.
As I navigated through these early years, my experiences laid the groundwork for the person I would become. The realization that I was different did not deter me; instead, it fueled my desire to learn, grow, and carve out my own path.
Fast navigation:
School years.
Reflecting on my school years, I'm reminded of the unique path I navigated, filled with perseverance and challenges. My journey through school was anything but conventional. Living with cerebral palsy, I was constantly faced with situations that tested my resolve. But rather than letting these challenges define me, I used them as stepping stones.
This journey began with a struggle that might seem trivial to many but was monumental for me: learning to hold a pen. In the first grade, while other children were learning to write letters, I was mastering the basic skill of drawing simple 5 cm sticks. Imagine the patience and persistence required for such a task. Despite the difficulty, we never gave up, and this effort gradually bore fruit. By the end of that year, I had only learned to read, not write, which typically would have meant repeating the grade. However, my first teacher, recognizing my potential, proposed an extraordinary plan: I would proceed to a regular first-grade class while simultaneously completing the second-grade curriculum at home. This meant double the workload and significant psychological stress, given the conflicts with other children due to my condition. Yet, I successfully completed both first and second grades in one year, followed by second and third, and then third and fourth. This intensive writing practice helped develop my hands, which previously had very limited function.
From the fifth grade onwards, my education shifted to fully individualized lessons, as moving from class to class was not feasible for me. Despite this, I was still studying the fourth-grade curriculum, which meant I was on track to finish school a year later than my peers. Unwilling to accept this, I embarked on yet another ambitious venture: completing both the sixth and seventh-grade curriculums in a single academic year. I spent the first two quarters on the sixth-grade lessons and the next two on the seventh-grade material.
During these years, my social interactions were limited. I had few friends and spent much of my time indoors. This, however, gave me the opportunity to dive into my grandmother's collection of "Science and Life" magazines, various university textbooks, and notes from lectures on economics and mathematics. By the third grade, I was engrossed in ninth-grade algebra textbooks, and by the fifth grade, I was deeply involved in university-level physics books. While I didn't turn out to be a prodigy, this period laid a strong foundation for my later academic pursuits.
The rest of my school years were less about extraordinary feats and more about steady progress. I completed some subjects through external examinations and achieved small but noteworthy accomplishments. Ultimately, I graduated from school with honors, a testament to the journey that had begun with learning to hold a pen and draw simple sticks.
Step into the world of programming.
Around the age of 14, my intrigue with technology and programming took off when I received my first laptop. This wasn't just any laptop; it had a unique challenge. After about two months, its hard drive failed, leaving it with the sole function of booting MS-DOS from a floppy disk. This setback, however, kindled a spark of creativity and determination within me. Unlike most laptops that come loaded with games, mine had none, and it was this absence that drove my desire to play and consequently learn programming.
With no games available on the floppy disk, I was motivated to create my own. I discovered a book on QBasic in my school library, which became my guide into the world of coding. At that time, programming was not a career path I had considered; it was purely a means to fulfill my wish to play computer games. This pragmatic approach to solving my gaming problem was my first foray into the world of software development.
This journey wasn't easy, especially considering my physical limitations due to cerebral palsy. Typing was a significant challenge, often causing pain. Despite this, I persisted, developing unique methods to make typing feasible, such as using my nose to press shift for certain keys. After about two months of dedicated learning and experimentation, I managed to create my first game – a simple racing game.
This period in my life was transformative. It taught me the importance of problem-solving, resilience, and the joy of creating something out of nothing. It also laid the foundation for my appreciation of clean and efficient code, as I began to realize that good coding practices were not just theoretical advice but a necessary approach to making programming sustainable for me.
University years (2006-2011/2012).
In my pursuit of higher education, I enrolled at the Open International University of Human Development "Ukraine" in the field of "Maintenance of computers and computer networks." Opting for distance learning, I completed my program over five years, earning a Master's degree. This mode of study provided me with ample time for self-study, allowing me to dive deep into various programming languages, paradigms, and aspects related to computing.
My time at the university was marked by a balance between formal education and extensive self-driven exploration in the realm of technology. Despite solving many complex tasks and being highly self-critical, I refrained from labeling myself a professional programmer, always striving for higher standards.
My graduation thesis was a culmination of this journey, intertwining programming with psychology, global markets, and other diverse themes. While it was not fully appreciated or understood at the time, my supervisor recognized it as a significant academic contribution.
The birth of Green Wizard.
In 2006, as I ventured deeper into the online realm, a stark contrast emerged between this new world and the undervaluing atmosphere of my family home. Here, in the digital landscape, my skills were not just acknowledged but celebrated. This recognition was a stark departure from what I was accustomed to, sparking a significant boost in my self-confidence. It was this newfound sense of value that led me to craft the persona of "Green Wizard." The "Green" in this moniker was a nod to my inexperience, a candid admission of my youthful naivety in life's vast playground. Yet, it also symbolized a thirst for knowledge, a raw eagerness to soak in every experience and grow from it.
The "Wizard" part of my new identity was more enigmatic. It represented the surprising impact of my skills and my ability to conjure up digital marvels that left others in awe. In this way, "Green Wizard" was more than just a pseudonym; it was a beacon of transformation, reflecting my journey from a novice, wide-eyed and eager, to a creator of wonders, weaving spells in the digital domain and beyond.
As my journey continued, "Green Wizard" evolved, taking on more dimensions than I initially anticipated. When my passions extended to the realm of sports, this identity found new resonance. The initials "GW" aligned serendipitously with my sporting pursuits, echoing terms like "Gym Warrior" and "Ghetto Workout". This unexpected alignment added a delightful layer to the persona, reflecting the multifaceted nature of my growth.
No longer was "Green Wizard" just a digital enigma; it became a symbol of physical resilience and determination. It captured the essence of my evolving journey, blending the realms of digital expertise with physical fitness. In this identity, I found a unique fusion of my interests and aspirations, a harmonious blend that mirrored my personal evolution.
Today, "Green Wizard" stands as a testament to my story, a narrative of continuous learning, self-improvement, and adaptation. It's a persona that encapsulates the essence of my life's journey, embodying the multifaceted nature of my growth and the transformative power of embracing one's true potential.
Sports in my life.
From 2007 until around 2019, physical fitness and sports played a significant role in my life. This period was marked by rigorous and consistent training, which was not just about physical health but also a journey of self-discovery and personal development. The discipline and dedication required for regular exercise were instrumental in shaping my character.
During these years, I devoted considerable time and effort to various forms of physical activity. My training was diverse, including gym workouts, street workout, yoga, wushu, and even a bit of boxing techniques. Each of them taught me different aspects of physical and mental strength, contributing to a well-rounded fitness regime.
As of now, while my intense training regimen has toned down, I still maintain a commitment to staying physically active. My current focus is on sustaining my fitness level rather than pushing for new athletic milestones. This approach allows me to balance my physical well-being with my professional commitments and personal interests. Keeping fit remains an integral part of my lifestyle, but it has evolved to suit my current life's rhythms and priorities.
(Almost) 15 years like a single moment.
The year 2007 marked the beginning of my first romantic relationship. However, due to the influences of my upbringing and my parents views, this relationship ended in 2008. It was a painful but pivotal experience that fueled my dedication to self-improvement. I immersed myself in learning and physical fitness, seeking to understand and grow beyond the confines of my circumstances.
A turning point came in 2010 with a fire that partially destroyed our family home. This event pushed me into the world of freelancing, where I learned to leverage my unique experiences and view my disability as an asset. My work ranged from game development to complex coding tasks, constantly challenging and expanding my skills.
In 2017 I made the bold decision to leave my parents home and move in with my grandmother. This step was not just about changing my living situation; it was a profound declaration of my desire for greater independence and personal growth. Living with my grandmother provided me with a nurturing and supportive environment, allowing me to focus more intently on my personal and professional development. This period was marked by an intense dedication to learning new skills and deepening my understanding of various subjects, especially in the realm of technology and programming.
By 2020, my quest for independence took another significant leap. I moved with my sister to an apartment near Odessa. This move was driven by my aspiration for an even higher level of independence and an improved quality of life. Moreover, I felt a growing sense of urgency and foreboding about the future of Ukraine. My instincts told me that challenging times were ahead for the country, and I wanted to be in a better position to face whatever was coming. Living in Odessa with my sister was a crucial time for both of us. We formed a strong partnership where she assisted me with my daily needs due to my cerebral palsy, and in return, I took on the responsibility of managing our financial affairs.
At that time, while initially skeptical about AI, I decided to give it a chance and delve deeper into studying this field. The more I explored, the more I realized how intriguing and beneficial AI could be for me, particularly in terms of accessibility and problem-solving. This newfound understanding gradually transformed my initial doubts into a deep appreciation for the potential of AI, leading me to enroll in courses (LinkedIn) to gain a better grasp of its capabilities and applications. My journey into AI wasn't just about learning a new technology; it became a personal exploration of how AI could enhance my abilities and open up new avenues for innovation and creativity.
In 2021, my sister and I moved to Lviv, continuing our journey together. But everything changed on the morning of February 24, 2022, my sister's birthday. I woke her with the news, "Happy birthday, sister! Guess what? We're moving to Slovakia! Start packing... Oh, and by the way, a war has started...". For years, I had sensed the impending conflict and prepared for it, despite others finding my concerns odd. Unfortunately, my intuition was correct, but thankfully, we were ready.
War inside and outside.
Since moving to Slovakia, my journey has been marked by profound challenges and introspection. The reality of being in a foreign land during a time of conflict back home in Ukraine was mentally and emotionally taxing. I often grappled with a deep moral dilemma: the desire to return and contribute to the war effort, counterbalanced by the stark realization that my physical presence might be more of a hindrance than a help, even to civilians, due to my cerebral palsy.
This period was a time of significant personal conflict and difficult choices, often between my well-being and what seemed more crucial. I've had to learn to be somewhat selfish, focusing on my perseverance and skills. Despite the heavy mental toll, I channeled my energies into working on personal projects and further developing my skills.
The end of 2022 was marked by my first use of GitHub Copilot, soon followed by the advent of ChatGPT. Around this time, I faced a challenging conflict with my sister, which weighed heavily on me. Yet, I pushed through these difficulties, completed a project using AI/LLM, and took an even more challenging step for me: sharing it with others. My work caught the attention of Microsoft, initially resulting in a brief mention in an article. This collaboration grew, leading to an article about AI and subsequently, an article about my life and a short film. A shorter version of this film was later presented at Microsoft Ignite 2023.
Despite the rapid development of these events, my life has been filled with complex situations and tough decisions. In September 2023, I made the difficult choice to part ways with my sister and since then, have been living in one of the Red Cross facilities in Slovakia. This experience has been unique and challenging. I arrived with limited Slovak language skills, significant speech impairment, and difficulty moving. However, I've found ways to communicate, work, and grow in these conditions. Living there has made me even more independent, resilient, and determined.
As 2024 began, I was caught in a whirlwind of personal challenges. While the world celebrated the New Year in peace, the news from my homeland painted a starkly different picture. Ukraine was grappling with hundreds of missile attacks. Amidst this somber backdrop, people around me lived seemingly carefree lives, enjoying festivities and occasionally voicing minor complaints. I maintained a composed facade, not wishing to cast a shadow over their cheerfulness, offering gifts and smiles while the news of the wounded and killed in Ukraine lingered in my mind. Despite the turmoil, I focused on my work and projects, using them as a sanctuary from the distressing situation caused by Russia and the world's response to the unfolding events in Ukraine. These times of hardship are etched in my memory, but I remain focused on my work, striving to excel in spite of the daunting circumstances.
During the New Year's period, as I sought to escape my anxious thoughts, I devoted myself to developing a tea-pouring device specifically designed for people with disabilities like mine. This project turned into a beacon of hope for improving independence and a safe haven from my worries. You can find more details about this endeavor in my article "Tea-Tech Journey", available on my website. This initiative is a significant part of my journey, combining my technical skills with a personal mission to enhance the quality of life for those with similar challenges.