About Me:
I’m Raun Green, and my journey from a small country town in the Midwest to a fulfilling career in technology and fitness has been nothing short of transformative. Growing up around horses and other farm animals, I spent my early years immersed in rural life until an unfortunate turn of events forced me to become independent at just fourteen.
I was raised by my father in a single-parent household after my mother left when I was two years old. This early separation left me feeling disconnected from my family, especially since I grew up largely unaware of my mother’s side. When I faced a challenging family situation, I found myself on my own, relying on my grandmother for support while navigating the complexities of adolescence.
Despite feeling like an outcast during family gatherings, I learned to adapt by observing others and imitating what I perceived as a “normal” family life. My struggles were compounded by social challenges related to being overweight, which made fitting in even more difficult.
Determined to improve my physical health and social situation, I embarked on a transformative journey into fitness. I dedicated myself to working out, which not only changed my physical appearance but also ignited a passion for health and wellness. This transformation led me to establish my own fitness business, where I thrived for over ten years.
During this time, I developed an interest in web development as a means to market my fitness business. I began learning the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, using tools like Dreamweaver and the Adobe Creative Suite. My curiosity and drive to learn propelled me to pursue an Associate’s degree in Web Development from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, allowing me to build websites and take on freelance projects.
Seeking more stability than the seasonal nature of the fitness industry could provide, I decided to further my education. I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at Maryville University in St. Louis, driven by my fascination with the human body and a desire to explore new opportunities. After graduating, I briefly worked as a chemistry substitute teacher at an alternative school but found the political landscape of education challenging and the financial prospects limited.
Recognizing my diverse skill set and the need for a more stable career, I pivoted towards technology. I became a self-taught software engineer, starting with Python as my first programming language. My journey into tech began when I landed a junior software engineer position at a local digital marketing company, where I quickly learned React. Within a week, I was producing product code and participating in code reviews, marking the start of my commitment to lifelong learning.
As I grew in my career, I expanded my skill set to become a full stack engineer, mastering both frontend and backend languages, databases, and APIs. My dedication to continuous improvement and networking opened doors to opportunities in DevOps, further enhancing my expertise.
Outside of my professional accomplishments, I remain passionate about fitness. I work out daily, enjoy running and jump roping, and am an avid fan of all things Apple. I also love self-help books and documentaries that foster personal growth. My athletic background includes playing basketball, football, and golf, reflecting my commitment to an active lifestyle.
I have a strong desire to travel and explore the world, and I dream of becoming a digital nomad one day. The idea of working from anywhere while immersing myself in different cultures excites me. I believe that travel not only broadens our perspectives but also enriches our lives in ways we can’t always anticipate.
With this goal in mind, I am committed to building a career that allows for flexibility and adventure. I envision a future where I can combine my passion for technology with my love for exploration, creating a lifestyle that balances work and travel.
My story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of self-education. I truly believe that with determination and a willingness to learn, we can overcome our challenges and strive for greatness while embracing new experiences along the way.
