More about my life, history and achievements.
I've always had to have some interests in what I was doing. I always needed some sort of project or assignment that would keep me going. My talents and skills started here at Issaquah High School. I learned how to learn, draw and create amazing graphics. I was first introduced to computers my freshman year where I took a intro to keyboarding and typing class. Mr. Wood was my professor and was the one who challenged me to become great at using the computer. We utilized older style typesetting books to learn typing on a computer. And from there, I became fascinated and intrigued by the computer in general. In the next couple years I took art and computer related classes. Commercial Art, Drawing, TIP, and finally my favorite classes "Digital Imaging" and "Video Foundations" offered at a neighboring school nearby. I spent a lot of time drawing and working on computers my Senior Year.
I started to jog and run at the late part of middle school. I was then introduced to my sport in cross country and track in high school my freshman until senior year at IHS. I spent much time in the hills up Tiger mountain running with my comrades and close friends. I even got the chance to run in the meets and I can very well say I ran a 5:30 mile, don't think I could do that now though ;). The one thing I regret the most was backing out of track my Senior Year. I had a lot on my plate that year, but man, I wish I could have earned my Varsity Letter in Track.
It was the best years of my life. I learned, loved, and became exceptional at everything I could. My passions were running, art, design and learning about computers. I was an average student but excelled in art and technology. I did BoyScouts and Venture outings on the weekend while still in session at school. I belonged to Boy Scout Troop 609 until the end of my Senior year at IHS. I spent years hiking and getting merit badges with my Dad, friends, and other young comrades my age. I hiked Mt. ST. Hellens, MT. Baker, and hiked up to camp Muir on Mt. Rainier. I worked very hard to keep everything in my school career as "consistent" as possible. I was so close to finish up my requirements to complete the highest rank in Boy Scouts for my Eagle. I always wanted to be a good student but for me it did not come "easy." I decided to focus on school and my future ambitions rather than complete Eagle and I ended my scout adventures with my Life ranking.
In my Senior Year I was ready to graduate, start new things, and get on with my life in the passions and dreams I had to fulfill. I landed my first real job in retail at Michaels Arts and Craft. I worked there for around two years while still in school full-time. I learned about selling and putting together picture frames for customers. In the next 10 years a lot of change took place in my life. I took a few jobs here and there post high school but soon realized I needed something stable on the side while going to college full-time.
I soon settled into my new positions I worked where I first got a glimpse of what customer service really means to others and myself. I learned helping people navigate the stores layout and answering questions related to the stores product. I also learned skills that would eventually get my job at Lowe's and finish my degree at Bellevue Community College. I was soon accepted into my University of choice at WWU (Western Washington University) in Bellingham, WA. I learned a lot at Western studying art and design but soon realized this program wasn't for me.
I tried diligently to find another program that would be similar and facilitate my needs. I chose Marketing in the business department. I soon left Western after realizing I would need to find my path elsewhere. I returned to Issaquah where I picked up where I left off at Michaels Art's and Craft and soon my future and current occupation at Lowe's Home Improvement. I started my first jobs at Lowe's as a Garden Loader. In the next year or so I would settle into my new position as a full-time Cashier. I learned how to work hard and become a better person for it. I never realized I would have stayed at Lowe's this long as it was only supposed to be a "stepping stone" into my next real gig or job.
After years post completing my associates degree at Bellevue Community College I soon returned to school in search of a new path. I considered many alternatives to my calling in computer graphics and chose to study computer hardware in preparation for getting the "A+" Certification. I gained a quite deal of knowledge and experience working inside the PC; however, I soon realized this still wasn't my real "goal" or calling I wanted to pursue in a career setting. I searched many different routes into studying design but soon decided to do it on my own. I studied design books, created examples of my work, and finally presented my most recent portfolio on this very site.
I did my most recent works during the past few years working at Lowe's where I developed the first store map. I utilized Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft word to input the necessary information and data I put together in an organized and creative manner. In the midst of all this I started to get my "feet wet" in more Adobe Illustrator projects. I have completed over six maps now and have gotten great feedback from all my work completed and posted throughout the store. As seen on my "projects portfolio gallery" above I have some good results. I am currently looking for employment elsewhere for any that admire or am interested in my works. I am smart, detail-oriented and passionate about all the work I do. My Qualifications and Resume are in the above link above if interested, please feel free to Contact Me.
Moving foward in life!
In the past year I relocated to Nampa Idaho and started my journey once again in searching for a job I was most suited for. It has been a rough and challenging transition moving state to state but there were good things as I got rehired at Lowes #1785. At first, I struggled because I had to relearn a whole new store in the midst of not knowing where everything was and the recourses, I needed to successfully accomplish the goals I set out. It took me over 8 months to get back where I was, and I still had troubles relating to the job and pears that I worked with. I wondered why I wasn't getting any awards or anything for my hard work. I soon realized I wasn't doing my job at a 100%. I doubled my efforts on hope of achieving "Cashier of the month" which was at the time a big honor. I spent hours, days, and weeks working twice as fast helping customers orders towards that goal.
I asked all the right questions a Cashier would ask, and I pushed services and the survey to every customer. I became quite good at it and followed through with my efforts. In only a few short months I obtained the honor of "Cashier of the Month" and soon after got it for a second time. I was so ecstatic at hearing and seeing my picture on the wall of Cashier Recognition that I started yelling out loud and saying "I'm cashier of the month, YAH booyah! This pushed me even further to be the best cashier there. I will continue my efforts and keep improving. My manager Victor even great fully was impressed and gave me the opportunity to become head cashier. He told me that he was going to "push me" bit by bit never let down until I was the ready to take it out on my own. So, there is what I stand now as of catching up. All my artwork has improved, and I am still in the works of creating new ones. Check my portfolio link above to see my results.
I spent almost three terms this year at SNHU (Sothern New Hampshire Univesity) and it was a unique experience. I thought this was the right choice at the time but soon realized this venue of on-line education just was not for me. I did gain some experience, but the college was more self-paced and no student participation or collaboration. So, after giving this second chance at a university level learning I decided to drop out once again after almost twenty years past. Since my second chance down the college route falling through, I found myself discouraged and let down. I recently decided to start up again teaching myself the ropes of knowledge required in this field I still want to pursue. I have a lot of skill, knowledge and talent and I won't be stopped by this endeavor; and thus, I will rise above and get my future that I want. The first thing I will accomplish is becoming certified as Adobe Certified Professional that will prove my ability to help others in need of my service. Secondly, I will offer help in customers in need and finally get an internship that will be my portfolio to more of a use.
In the meantime, I will work on the basics and learning all I can to enhance my skills and abilities. I am still at Lowe's of Nampa and looking to move forward with my life and find my own place to live and grow. I have recently revamped my website and am looking for new opportunities to get the word out and provide my services to anyone willing to utilize my skills and abilities.
Kevin Sundquist
kevinsundquist83@gmail.com
kevinsundquist83@gmail.com
Contact me below:
I spent most of my adult life working, but I have grown as a person and individual. I have gained skills, knowledge, and human respect for life and the people that I either work for or admire. I look back at my young adult life and admire those who taught me to keep trying, strive to do your best, and "keep moving forward."
Kevin Sundquist
kevinsundquist83@gmail.com