As 2024 draws to a close, it becomes essential to step back and reflect on what I’ve done meaningfully this year and how I can continue growing in the future.

One of my significant personal achievements this year has been the time I have devoted to improving my writing and reading. These skills, developed through constant practice, helped me express myself in creative works and even in a day-to-day context. Writing stopped being just a tool and became an avid hobby, one through which I can feel closer to the people I care about and reflect upon my thoughts. Further, I would like to be challenged through writing—maybe new genres or subjects I haven’t dared to approach.

It has also been quite a highlight to realise that learning is fun. The process, from ideation to tackling challenges, was a tangible reminder that growth only happens when one stays curious. Building on this, I will focus on structured learning—maybe through courses or dedicated projects—that can deepen my knowledge and skills.

Visiting my parents and hometown was another meaningful highlight. The reconnection with family, friends, and familiar surroundings brought me full circle to appreciate these relationships. It also returned to favoured memories of foods I had enjoyed in my childhood. Cassava and spicy fish curry, prepared in a mud pot, was one staple dish that evoked the flavours of home. I will always cherish the sour taste of black tamarind and the comforting simplicity of these meals. Food from my childhood reminds me of links to culture, family, and the joy of simple living.

While proud of what I have achieved, I realise there is room for improvement: I need to be more considerate of time management to balance my commitments, put more energy into my physical health, and set more precise goals for the coming year. On this base, I feel ready to step into 2025 with intention and optimism.