Today is my last day at Verizon.  What. A. Journey.  I started with this company directly out of college, and was here for 4 years, 2 months.  Three of those years I spent with the CVT (COEP (Central Office Equipment Product) Verification Team) group in Albany, doing barcode verification and equipment installation and removal audits.  Not exactly what I expected to be doing with an Industrial Engineering degree, but a job none the less.  That's what I thought when I signed on the dotted line.  It turned out to be a great fit for me.  I was given leading responsibilities from week one, and learned what it means to be accountable in Corporate America.  More than anything though, I met some great people at this job, had great managers and coworkers.  

When I moved to Florida, I kept the Verizon title, but left my team to get in to the video side of the business with the IVO (Interactive Video Operations) team.  Here I worked on the 'wall' monitoring Video On Demand, Ad Insertion, and IMG (Interactive Media Guide) for the entire Verizon FiOS footprint.  It was primarily IT work, troubleshooting technical problems with the different platforms, and preventing customer issues and outages.  Again, I met people who I hope to stay connected with, and wish them the best in their lives.

Anyone that knows me is probably thinking...holy crap, what has gotten into Andy, and has he gone crazy?  You're right, and you're wrong.  At least a few years ago, you would have been right.  I mean, I got my first passport at 25, and the first visa stamp I'm getting is going to be Fiji.  The only other country I've been to besides the U.S. is Canada (which I highly recommend visiting, if only for a Canadiens game).  But when my life turned upside down, I realized how much it means to live for today, and that you really do need to dream big to make things happen in life.  I had the fuse set, but just needed the spark.  Enter into my life, my fearless, full-of-life, never-say-impossible girlfriend, Casey.  From day one, she has made me see life from another view.  It's amazing that when she asked me to go with her on this trip, I didn't think twice before I said (screamed) absolutely!

But back to what I was trying to say...yeah, its pretty crazy that I, Andrew Hocker, has officially resigned from my position in Corporate America, has said goodbye to the safety net that is a steady paycheck.  But, whats really crazy, is that I'm not worried, not one bit.  I'm excited! I'm looking forward to this adventure.  I'm looking forward to getting stuck in a situation that I have to say 'How the hell did I get here, and where is civilization?!'  I can't wait to meet people from across the globe, and have to manage through communication and cultural barriers.  This trip is something I've wanted and needed for a long time, and just needed the push.

So, with that being said, I say GOODBYE, Verizon, and I welcome what adventure is to come!  I'll miss everyone from both New York and Florida.  When we come back to the States and I get back in the job market, I'll be lucky to work with as great of people as I have for the last 4 years. To you, I raise my glass...Cheers!

Oh, and Rodney, thanks for the pizza tonight!