Blogs by Colt

Author: Colt Cruz

Date: January 10, 2026

Introduction

My name is Colt Cruz, and I’m a Computer Science student with a focus on AI at Full Sail University. This blog will serve as a place for me to document my journey throughout this course and reflect on what I learn along the way. Before diving into project work, I want to start by sharing a bit about where I come from and what I hope to get out of this experience.

My Journey

I grew up in a very small town in south Texas, pretty much in the middle of nowhere. We didn’t have internet at home, and computers weren’t really a thing outside of school. My best friend did have internet though, so anytime I could, I’d stay over at his place just to play video games online. That was really my first exposure to the internet being something exciting and connecting people beyond where they were.

When college came around, I took a very different path. I traveled the country playing in tournaments instead of going to school. After that, I joined the Navy, which gave me a sense of independence and freedom I didn’t really have before. I spent 10 years in the military, all in the medical field.

My first couple of years were in an infusion center, where I worked directly with patients receiving chemotherapy or blood treatments. After that, I transitioned into orthopedics, assisting surgeons during procedures, administering injections, taking X-rays, and applying casts. Eventually, I moved into physical therapy, which ended up being my favorite part of my career. I wasn’t certified as a PTA or DPT, but I was responsible for training new staff and acting as a clinical instructor for Phase 2 PT students.

Later, I was stationed on a ship as the only physical therapy provider onboard, running group sessions and one-on-one treatments. After leaving the Navy, my spouse was still active duty, which meant moving every few years. Government jobs take time to secure, and stability became important, so I started working part-time in IT. I repaired laptops, replaced server components, and handled hardware warranty work. At most of my jobs, I naturally became known as “the tech guy.”

Why AI and What’s Next

I’ve always loved IT, but certifications are often required, and I was given the opportunity to go back to school. I initially thought game development would be a good fit since I love video games, but I quickly realized graphics and art aren’t my strong suit. That led me to AI — and honestly, I love it. The challenge of learning new languages, solving problems, and figuring things out piece by piece really clicks with me.

My goal here is to gain deeper knowledge in my field, improve my coding skills, and get better at working with others in a technical environment. I also hope to make a few connections and meet interesting people along the way. I’m here to learn, but I want to enjoy the process too.

Outside of school, I’m a dad to two young kids (2 and 3 years old). Watching them learn and understand new things reminds me why learning should be fun. I want to set that example for them that curiosity and growth don’t stop, no matter where you are in life.

Looking Ahead

This blog will track my progress throughout the course, capturing what I learn, the challenges I face, and how my skills develop over time. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead and seeing how far this journey takes me.