This year has been nothing and everything I ever imagined, with numerous ups and downs as usual.
Some things I've been satisfied with, and other things not.
But if I look hard enough, it has indeed been a truly amazing year, even if it hasn't been quite what I expected when 2025 said hello.
what i did
graduated with my BS in computer science, after kind of dropping out of school a few years ago (I wanted to study everything, and couldn’t pick one major)
almost finished my BA in mathematics (four classes left 🤓); graduation in June??
developed a kiosk application with the amazing team at Better Meal
completed freelance projects for small businesses, and started my biggest project yet for an international nonprofit
studied abroad both semesters, started student research, and attended a research conference
volunteered for two nonprofit organizations I used to benefit from, giving back to the next generation
took several random interesting courses from FutureLearn and Coursera, including Infant Nutrition and Understanding ADHD
read almost 400 books (mostly novels in the fantasy or mystery genre)
worked on random odd projects
some events
in the Judean desert
memorial day ceremony
OC fair
model trains in Texas 😮
touring an old school with a friend :)
Armenian quarter tour
Et Slicha concert
first research conference (neuroscience, yes totally)
Friday night dinner with friends
some food
(there was too much good food)
making kimbap
very very delicious meat
birthday fries at Crave with Mom and Dad
ate too much Aroma this year
Jerusalem food truck festival
green burrito thing from OC Fair
brunch in Texas with Dad
i made this really good corn in the air fryer
research conference food hehe
BBQ yummyyyyyy
dumpling night with friends
favorite media
The Samaritans: A Biblical People
999: The Forgotten Girls — about the first girls sent to Auschwitz, betrayed by their own country
Among Neighbors — definitely one of my fav documentaries
Devil at My Heels (Louis Zamperini)
Breaking Free (Rachel Jeffs)
Fae Farm — definitely spent way too much time on this one
Tiny Garden — super cute and relaxing game
some things I learned about myself
- I tend to work better in short sprints than over longer-term goals
- I tend to value autonomy above all else, in work / career / school
what i would like to improve on
- slowing down and savoring life; avoiding distractions; more flow mode
- being more intentional about what's on my plate instead of saying "yes" to everything
- better sleep, nutrition, exercise for a healthy brain and body
soft goals for 2026
- create some web apps
- work on my various initiatives
- write some things (fiction or articles)
- explore creativity and projects
- read more self-development books (and actually implement the strategies)
- spend more time on design stuff (UI, graphics, etc.)
- create some courses or course journeys
May the next year bring even better things,
~Catherine 💚