FAQs

One of the best parts of sharing and writing these articles is the chats that follow. I've had loads of interesting chats in person and a few over email, and I think I've noticed a pattern.

A lot of the same questions pop up; some are esoteric about a topic, while others are simple "why?" questions. Ever since I transitioned into teaching, some of you've also questioned that, too.

While many have asked about my thoughts on the late 2025 job situation. Some have even asked why even I built projects like xsNumPy and SlowTorch, which seem like reinventing the wheel.

By the way, all of them are great questions!! Then there are the questions about what my favourite films are and what I'm currently watching. So to make this easier for everyone, I've put together my answers to your most frequent questions.

This isn't just a list, but it's an extension of my story. Some easter eggs, so to speak...

Frequently Asked Questions

What the f*ck is XAMES3, and why you use it everywhere?

So, XAMES3 is my alias and username for online profiles. The first part, "XA", represents my first name, Akshay. The letter X is a sound-alike for the first syllable, "Aksh". Think of the letter "X" on its own; it sounds similar to "Aksh".

A is a sound-alike for the second syllable, "ay" (as in "day").

So, "Aksh" + "ay" becomes X-A.

The second part, "MES3", is a subtle play on my surname, Mestry. MES is a straightforward representation of the first syllable, "Mes". And the number 3 represents "try". It is not "try" as we say in English but more like "tree".

So, XAMES3 is just my name spelled out in short. This is called a gramogram in English. For example, "c u" is a gramogram for "see you", "JL" is a gramogram for "jail", etc.

How do you pronounce XAMES3 or XA?

It's literally pronounced as "X-A" or "X-A-Mes-three".

Why did you transitioned into teaching?

I promised Charlotte that I'd teach someday to students or be in academia. Honestly speaking, I meant it as a joke, in that moment, but now that I'm teaching, I understand what she meant.

What is your role at National Louis University?

I'm an Adjunct at National Louis University's Undergraduate college in Computer Science & Information Systems (CSIS) Department.

What are your primary interests as IT professional?

Looking back, I'd say I've transitioned from a Software Engineer to AI. So, I still love to build or brainstorm about solutions or ideas that solve a particular problem. I enjoy AI too, don't get me wrong. But, software engineering, in particular:

  • understanding user or customer requirements

  • working with tools or accesses available at my disposal

  • reading and experimenting with documentations

  • debugging logs, and spending time on terminal

  • collaborating with other teams and fellow developers

  • building APIs

  • deployments (not on Fridays, those are f*cking horrible!!)

  • maintaining documentations

brings me joy!!

What is your favourite movie/TV show?

I'm a huge Christopher Nolan fan, and I his films. I tend to watch a lot of films, so it is difficult to say, what's my favourite. But, my go-to movie is Interstellar. I absolutely love the music compositions by Hans Zimmer. It is truly a masterpiece!!

As far as my favourite TV show, I've a few. My go-to would be obviously, Family Guy. But, if I were to recommend a TV show to anyone, I'd probably say, Dark.