Catching up to my big bro

When I think about success, the person who comes to mind is my brother, Juan. From a young age, he has been an example of humility, integrity, and dedication—qualities that not only shape him as a person but also drive his incredible professional achievements. Now a Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft, he’s not just the most successful 20 year old I know, but a model for what I hope to become.

The best part is how humble he is about it. One of the moments that stands out to me happened when I recently visited him in Chicago. We were at barbecue, and he would keep mentioning working at “a tech company,” never name-dropping Microsoft. At that moment, I realized how much he had achieved—and how little he showed it. Here is someone working at one of the most prestigious tech companies in the world, yet he doesn’t even mention it. That humility, paired with his professional excellence, have made me realize that success isn’t just about where you end up; it’s also about how you carry yourself on the journey.

Beyond his professional achievements, what I admire most is his commitment to helping others. Whether through his local volunteer work in Chicago schools—part of a Microsoft initiative—or his various internships and leadership roles, my brother has always found ways to give back. This speaks to the heart of who he is. It's one of the reasons he stands out, not just as a brother but as a role model.

I’ve always been competitive with my brother—whether it was trying to beat his 1400 SAT score or working to achieve more in my career. He’s set a high bar, and I see him as not only an objective to reach but someone I want to surpass. I’m lucky that he’s helping me figure out my own professional path right now, giving me the kind of advice that only a trusted mentor could provide.

One day, I hope to join him in Chicago—whether we’re working on the same floor or living in the same building. I envision lots of hours working out together, grinding it out at work, and eating A LOT of food, maybe, who knows, designing the future of cloud computing together. 

I know that one day, I’ll achieve at least the kind of success he has, not from a place of jealousy but from a place of respect and admiration. Until then, I’ll continue using the products he helps develop, learning from his quiet leadership, and striving to become not just a professional, but a person of integrity, humility, and faith—just like my brother.