How to become an AWS Community Builder
So many people want to get more involved in the AWS community, but just don't know... how to do it. Took some time to write up a laundry list of potential things to do to get more engaged in the community as a path to becoming an AWS Community Builder.

To date, it's been organically viewed by over 11,000 people and shared by dozens within and beyond the AWS Community Builder Program

https://dev.to/aws-builders/how-to-become-an-aws-community-builder-2m79

Built a WiFi TV Remote
Ran out of AAA batteries during COVID lockdown, and decided to over-engineer a replacement. Had plenty of fun, learned a lot about building wireless capabilities with Arduino's and Infrared Communication in the process. Definitely didn't learn about good web UI design... 😅

https://github.com/ssennettau/ArduinoWiFi-TVRemote

Promoted to Senior Content Architect

During the same month, it was announced that Pluralsight had acquired A Cloud Guru, and we would be joining their team of 1,700+ professionals in their mission to democratize education

AWS App Runner First Impressions Blog
One of the harder and more interesting types of writing, detailing your thoughts on new technology (less than 24 hours post-release). Given my hope that it'll eventually supplant many Elastic Beanstalk deployments with substantially more powerful features, I bestowed it with the nickname Magic Beanstalk 🌱

Also ate a slice of humble pie, when the VP of Compute Services at AWS read my article and noted something I'd gotten wrong regarding Amazon Copilot (😨!). Gratefully accepted the feedback, and issued a correction. We learn more every day

https://acloudguru.com/blog/engineering/what-you-need-to-know-about-aws-app-runner

AWS Community Builder

Recognized for contributions to the AWS Community, across mentoring, meetup hosting, speaking engagements, forums/Reddit, and blog posts.

With only 26% of applicants accepted after recommendation from a colleague, it provides a great experience to network and grow with other AWS Professionals and staff

Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds Project

One of the best things about being a Rotarian is the opportunity to put in some elbow grease to do things that will make a difference to others. This day was great, with the dismantling and shipping of a playground from Yarra Bank, to be sent to a community in Nepal