About the Gen X Author and his Undiaganosed ADHD
Who I Am
Personal Journey: Christopher Pentecost, an aficionado of diverse interests, finds his true joy in a harmonious blend of family, literature, and the great outdoors. In London, Ontario, he resides happily with his cherished family—his wife Cindy and their two delightful children, Carter and Cassandra. As an avid outdoorsman, Christopher often discovers moments of tranquility pedaling along the scenic Thames Valley Parkway or creating cherished memories camping and reveling in park adventures with his children. Beyond his professional endeavors, his life is a tapestry woven with the vibrant threads of literature, music, and the exploration of culinary delights.
Professional Journey: With a dynamic career spanning over 17 years, Christopher Pentecost's professional odyssey embarked from the frontlines of customer service at GoodLife Fitness clubs. Evolving swiftly, he ascended to a pivotal role as an Administrative Clerk within the corporate realm, laying the groundwork for an illustrious trajectory in IT Quality Assurance. His expertise blossomed, meticulously testing UI and API functionalities, and reached new heights at LBMX, a leading buying group platform. Noteworthy was his instrumental role in spearheading the implementation of advanced automated test suites, amplifying the platform's capabilities and real-time analytics for members and suppliers.
Current Journey: Christopher's thirst for knowledge and professional growth recently culminated in the successful completion of the Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate and Scrum Master Certification Specialization from Coursera. This accomplishment further fortified his technical prowess and leadership acumen, positioning him as a guiding force at the forefront of industry advancements. As he continues this journey, Christopher Pentecost remains dedicated to pursuing excellence in software quality assurance while embracing new opportunities and challenges that come his way.
Life's Journey: As a Gen X male traversing the suburban landscape, my life's tapestry reveals intricate threads. I found refuge and fascination in the vibrant world of pop culture, spanning from the '60s to the brink of the millennium. Yet, hidden within this tapestry were complexities—a silent struggle with mental illness and undiagnosed ADHD, veiled by the stifling stigma prevalent in the '80s and '90s. My formative years unfolded within a dichotomy—shielded from some aspects while wrestling with the solitude of a latchkey kid and the echoes of bullying. These struggles etched their marks upon my existence, merging the contrast of sheltered upbringing with internal battles. Amidst this turmoil, stand-up comedy emerged as a guiding beacon, especially the trailblazing works of George Carlin and Richard Pryor. Their comedic mastery melded pop culture with socio-economic events, crafting a lens that offered a more balanced and logical view of the world. Their artistry revealed the interconnectedness of societal facets, illuminating the nuances between the veneer of popular culture and the underlying realities of social and economic dynamics. The turn of the millennium marked a profound transformation within me. It sparked an awakening—an evolution towards becoming more 'woke' about the intricate web of social and political issues shaping our world. This awakening ignited a fervent desire within me to not only understand but actively contribute to positive change, drawing inspiration from the insightful comedic visionaries who had shaped my worldview. My journey, a continual evolution, bears the weight of reconciling the past, navigating mental health challenges, and striving for personal growth. Wrestling with undiagnosed ADHD and the weight of mental illness, amplified by the silence enforced upon them in an era of stigma, became integral layers of my narrative. In this ongoing odyssey, I endeavor to be a better human—a pursuit fueled by empathy, an unyielding quest for self-improvement, and an unwavering dedication to fostering a world that is kinder, more understanding, and infinitely more inclusive.