Hi, I'm Julian!

I’m Julian Philip Hernandez, a husband, proud cat dad and tech enthusiast. My journey from the vibrant streets of the Philippines to the opportunities of Canada has been anything but linear. Alongside my amazing wife, Emma, and our two British Shorthairs, Mango and Bubu, we’ve built a life full of love, meaning, and purpose.

Like many immigrants, I came to Canada chasing dreams of a better future. My early days were tough — I took the first job I could find, selling lawn care services and sealing driveways. I wasn’t just selling; I was aerating lawns, sealing cracks, and working tirelessly under the sun. Every dollar earned went toward saving for school and building a better life. Eventually, I enrolled in Philosophy at the University of Toronto, eager to explore life’s bigger questions. But after my first year, doubt crept in. Was this really the right path for me?

That question left me feeling confused, trapped, and stuck — depressed and without any prospects or money. I had exhausted all my savings in just one year. What I thought would be a short break turned into years of grinding through various jobs and grappling with uncertainty.

I fell into a cycle of gaming addiction, struggling to teach myself programming, and feeling utterly lost. It was a dark and difficult time, but every setback became a lesson in resilience. Slowly, I began to reframe my perspective, seeing life as a game — a challenge where I could “level up” my skills and attributes.

This mindset shift marked the beginning of my 'Monk Mode' or 'Winter Arc' — a time of solitude and relentless self-improvement. I quit gaming and dedicated myself to growth, focusing on cultivating both physical and mental discipline.

Through bodybuilding, I developed a strong work ethic and mental toughness, which fueled my drive to grow. I incorporated daily meditation to sharpen my focus, enhance clarity, and stay grounded amidst challenges. Recognizing the need to level up my 'intelligence stats', I began grinding stat points, immersing myself in audiobooks, podcasts, and online courses.

It was during this time of intense focus that I rediscovered my passion for technology and self-mastery. Rewatching The Social Network and reading Mastery by Robert Greene reignited a spark within me, inspiring me to take bold steps toward rebuilding my future. I found the call to adventure and took a leap of faith and enroll in Computer Programming. To prepare, I took the courses Learning How to Learn taught by Dr. Barbara Oakley and Dr. Terrence Sejnowski and CS50 taught by David J. Malan.

These experiences allowed me to earn a 'job/ class change' event, much like in the games I used to play, sparking a personal reinvention and setting me on the path to where I am today — combining hard-earned lessons in perseverance with a relentless drive to grow and create.

Today, I’m driven by the same grit that carried me through those early challenges. Beyond family and career, I find joy in self-improvement, making fitness and learning central to my life. I often combine the two by listening to podcasts or audiobooks during workouts, feeding both my body and mind.

Life, much like a game, is about leveling up through persistence and adapting to challenges. Inspired by stoic principles and figures like Chung Ju-yung, I see every setback as a chance to gain 'experience points' and unlock new potential. These are the qualities I bring to my engineering and leadership roles — constantly striving to grow, create, and lead with purpose.