Matt Blank

I was born in Salt Lake City, UT and have lived here my entire life. I went to Redeemer Lutheran School from K-8, and Salt Lake Lutheran High School from grades 9-12. At the moment I am attending Westminster College here in Salt Lake City for a B.A. in International Business. While I go to a lively and great college, I don't really do the whole college thing that often. I'm more focused on my work, finances, and personal life than college.

I hold two part time jobs during the school year, and a full time and a part time job during the summer. I work primarily at Modern Display as their IT Director for end user/infrastructure support and what not. I also work at the Alta Club on the weekends to earn some extra money. Right now I am working around 45 hours a week, which isn't really that bad once you get used to it. I think my ability to sleep past 8am has been disabled by waking up early every day. I make bank which is great because it's enabling me to pay off my debt faster than before, while still building up savings. It's going to be hard to convince me to go back to part time later, but when it happens it happens.

I have a penchant for anything that involves computers, and specifically design for print and the web. I don’t do any of that professionally; I found out by becoming a network admin that doing your hobbies in a professional environment kills the charm. I consider photography a hobby, but I'm no professional. I just like to play. Take a look at my photos posted up on Flickr if you want to explore my various musings. As for publication design, I get a bit of that with my work and like to help people out with problems or brainstorming.

I love to read about political happenings, and politics are interesting to me but not of interest as a profession. My leanings are left of center, but I like to discuss the goings on with anyone of any inclination. I'm particularly excited about the 2008 election season starting, as the situations for the public could inspire some changes.

I'm also really interested in international travel as this broadens my perspective on life. I usually travel once or twice a year outside of the country, but recently this has been hampered by my compounding jobs. I just like to see the world and get a better view (and get those enviable stamps in my passport).

I spent the fall semester of 2006 in London working at the US Embassy, and that was an amazing experience. As for my future plans, I hope one day to move to another country or get a job with the State Department so that I can more easily and securely fulfill my dream of travel and exploration. America is a great country, but I'm fed up with the corrupt people who lead it. Other places severely interest me, and my life goal is to set foot on every continent, and hopefully as many nations as possible.