![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmNedDx4NyDWnLL9Q6YqV6hD7HRG3xwYoXZ98h8jaY5gEp/image.png)


Hey Steemit!

Not gonna lie - I was a bit nervous to do this. Not sure why - haha. 

My name is Shawn, and I run SkipMBA.com with Krisha Aranha ([verification here!](http://www.skipmba.com/blockchain-steemit/))  I believe she'll be posting an introduction post soon too! She's kinda shy.

I post on reddit quite often. Some of you may know me. Most of you probably don't.

## My background :

 Due to a series of unfortunate events (family tragedy bla bla..) I found myself alone in a brand new country (Canada) as a **highschool dropout**. My journey in Canada started as a **night-shift janitor**. But I self-studied my way through University  (couldn't make it to most of my classes cause of the night-shifts) . Started self-studying how to be a programmer and got my first job as a developer. Things progressed to me getting my Master's Degree, and a Six-Figure Job.  It was a crazy ride. I still don't have a highschool-degree btw. Haha

If you're interested you can read the entire story here: **[Janitor & Highschool Dropout to  Six Figures & MSc Degree](http://www.skipmba.com/janitor-dropout-to-earning-six-figures-masters-degree/)**

## Why We Started SkipMBA:

After this entire journey, I was supposed to do my MBA -- but realized that  it'd be foolish for me to go $100,000 in debt! Afterall, I've already proven to myself we can learn ourselves! Krisha was also considering doing her MBA at the time - but she didn't believe in the system either.

So we decided to Self-Study An MBA and document my journey on the internet.  The community has grown steadily since then! This is a self-learning, free-education journey for everyone! I invite you guys to join me! 

Over the past 6 or so months I've read over 50+ books. It started really slow - but it got better! I maintain [a reading list & free course list](http://www.skipmba.com/diy-mba-reading-list/) on the website that everyone can use to  self-study an MBA. Information, books, courses etc is easier to access than ever! We don't need to dump our life savings into an outdated institution! We can do it ourselves -  for free!


## Journey Before Destination 

I remember when I got to Canada, things were pretty bad. Everything seemed to have gone wrong. Just when things couldn't get worse, it did. I was **broke, fat, a highschool-dropout and just got dumped too**. My family was broken and torn. 

 But I always focussed on the "journey" and not so much the end goal. Tbh, I never really knew where I wanted to "end" up anyway.  Today, after a series a small steps I'm at a pretty good place.  But the journey took me around eight years. This isn't one of those "I turned my life around quick" stories. Far from. 

![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmZsUq9e9JoTU64Pi9dtdtBhoD565TpP5bzAn9pRvbpoEx/image.png)

But all the small steps added up eventually.  I don't know why I'm telling you guys this. I used to keep all of this quiet. But maybe it will help someone... *shrugs*

I currently run SkipMBA —another journey that I'm hopign will end well — with the help of my beautiful girlfriend. And life has never been better. Here is another pic of the two of us being goofy!

![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmWy91T2Yupuud4W2CpSYgxtgvv5yN3jddZJfmoKsMXnTU/image.png)



## Conclusion:

Jeez - this turned out to be a much longer post than anticipated. Apologies! 

If you guys have any questions please don't hesitate to ask :) 

Also, do you guys have any tips for me? Hidden etiquette that I should follow? Would love any advice!

Heart you guys all,

Looking forward to grow with this platform! 

Shawn :)