2024

It’s the new year. 2024. I came to museumplein to see the fireworks this year. By myself. I was supposed to be here with a few friends but they decided not to come at the last moment because of the rain. I’m so, so, so glad that I decided to come by myself. I’m so happy I get to begin this new year with this feeling in my lungs. I feel happiness, peace, and joy. Most of all, I feel content. No chaos of people trying to grab my attention as the clocks strike twelve, no faking being social when I want to reflect on the year. I’m just here alone. And I’m glad I chose to give myself this time.

2023 has been a year of incredible learning for me. I worked on my thesis, understanding things I could never imagine grasping before. I graduated cum laude. I got my first full-time job. I received a formal PhD offer. I travelled. I visited the United States. I accepted the PhD offer. I decided to stay in the Netherlands.

Moreover, my living situation improved. I made new friends. I’ve been learning to take on more responsibilities. I, for the first time in my life, gifted my mom something using money that I earned. I’ve come to terms better with my queer/bisexual identity. I’ve learned more about my family. I’ve made my life more than just my academics.

I’m so happy with the way the previous year has turned out. I’m so, so, so lucky for all the opportunities I received. And I’m so proud of myself for all the hard work I put in. And I’m so proud of myself for this year’s accomplishments. 2023 was an excellent year for me.

And I want 2024 to bring more joy, fortune, and self-discovery for myself and everyone around me. I want 2024 to be a year of putting myself in difficult situations and adapting to them. I want to work hard towards my goals, perhaps harder than I did last year. I want 2024 to be a year during which I challenge myself. I want 2024 to bring love, acceptance, and compassion. I want to remember how lucky I am every single day of 2024. I want 2024 to be a year of self exploration.

2024 is here. New opportunities are knocking at my door. I’m peaceful, joyous, and ready for them.