My life began in a small Virginia suburb outside of DC. At a young age I exhibited an unusual proficiency in mathematics, far exceeding the average level for my age. By age twelve I had excelled so far beyond my peers that my teachers thought it best for me to begin high school. I graduated at age 14.
After graduation I enrolled at the University of Amsterdam, double majoring in theoretical physics and mathematics. It was at this time that the scientific community began referring to me as a child prodigy. I even assisted in some advanced research into
superstring theory.
During my second year of university something odd occurred: I developed an appetite for hashish. You see, from a young age I was pushed extremely hard by my parents and teachers. Classified as a '
genius', I was constantly pressured to reach my full potential; anything less would be a travesty. And now at university, the pressure was stronger than ever. Hash provided me an escape from this; and, to put it bluntly, it was fun. I missed much of the freedom and fun of childhood because of my gift, and hash was offering me a of what I lost, so to speak. Unfortunately, and unsurprisingly, my studies suffered as my drug use increased and I dropped out before completing the year.
Ashamed, I refused to return home, staying in Amsterdam and sleeping where I could, oftentimes in the library. With nothing to do I frequently got high and read scientific literature; and although my circumstances were poor, it led to me rediscovering my love of science. I could now pursue it simply out of joy and interest, not because I was expected to; not because it was demanded that I live up to an unreasonably high level of academic success. It was no longer a job; it was fun again.
In my altered state of mind, I grew a curiosity in highly theoretical physics, including time travel -- 'pseudo-science' most would say. You see, most scientists are too constrained by accepted scientific paradigms to see beyond them. Granted, many great physicists find new and significant discoveries within these paradigms; but rarely does one search for discoveries that will shatter them and replace them with new models. It's at the height of folly for a scientist to think that we pretty well have things figured out. On the contrary, we actually know very little. History provides a number of examples of new discoveries completely overturning what was once accepted as scientific fact. But I digress.
I spent the following decade working odd jobs while researching time travel.
[in progress]
