As 2024 closes in, life keeps changing in ways that test, uplift, and change us. This year, which is characterized by a continuous process of adaptation, development, and connection, emphasizes both the intricacy and beauty of our common human experience. The way we live, work, and interact with one another is changing in a world where communication and technology are connecting us more and more. Life this year is about thriving in the face of change, not just getting by. 2024 is a year when innovation and human potential collide, whether it be through developments in healthcare, sustainability initiatives, or the emergence of online communities. However, it's not just about technology; people are prioritizing mental health, wellbeing, and a more balanced, mindful way of living throughout this year of reflection and action.
Hello everyone! Happy New Year! I know it's already late in the year for recaps of what happened in 2024, but I’m still eager to share some of the highlights from my life. These moments have also given me valuable lessons to carry with me as we enter 2025. Enjoy reading!
First Highlight of 2024: This is my senior high school circle of friends. We decided to have a quick exchange of gifts and a casual lunch, as it had already been 4 long years since we last saw each other. Unfortunately, we weren’t all present at this time, 2 of our friends couldn’t make it because they still had school and errands to run. The majority of us were free, so we took the opportunity to meet up quickly, catch up on life, and share what had been happening with each of us while enjoying our meal together.
Second Highlight of 2024: This was my oath-taking ceremony to finally become a registered nurse. At the time, I was feeling very stressed and lonely, as one of my uncles whom I considered a second father had just passed away. I was stressed because I had work and wasn’t allowed to take leave, so I didn’t get enough sleep. My mother and sister were almost late to the event because they had to travel all the way to Danao to Cebu, and then, after attending the ceremony for about an hour, they traveled to Negros to visit my uncle. Despite the mixed emotions I had during the induction of the newly registered nurses, I am still incredibly grateful to be part of this special moment.
Third Highlight of 2024: This is my IM-16 family, also known as Inventory Management Wave 16. If you remember, I worked as a call center agent after taking the board exam. This team was one of the closest I had during my call center journey. This photo was taken just before we parted ways after 6 months together, as some of us had to resign, and others were transferred to different lines of business (LOB). At that moment, I couldn’t help but cry because we had grown so close. They became my support system while I was waiting for the results of the exam. It felt like we were truly a family.
Fourth Highlight of 2024: An unexpected friendship blossomed. I met these two lovely ladies who became my strength throughout my entire journey as a call center agent. Actually, there were four of us, but one decided to resign and return to her province. I am so thankful for these two because we always accompanied each other to work. I’ve always seen them as my siblings. They were the first friends I made when I started working at that company.
Fifth Highlight of 2024: This was the time I was chosen to attend a seminar and training on Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support with AED. It was a great opportunity for me to receive this kind of training, especially since it is highly relevant to my field. It was also one of the more challenging experiences for me, as I am an introvert and often feel anxious when meeting new people. However, I’m glad I overcame that challenge because I had the chance to meet people from different lines of business (LOB) with varied experiences. It was truly a valuable experience.
Sixth Highlight of 2024: This was my last elevator selfie as a call center agent. I decided to resign from the company because I felt there was no longer any personal growth to be had. In that environment, I no longer felt safe, there was no transparency regarding deducted benefits, and my salary wasn’t being properly compensated. In short, continuing to work there no longer seemed worthwhile, as it felt like my efforts were going unnoticed. At that time, I made the decision to resign and began applying for a new job related to my field of study.
Seventh Highlight of 2024: I had been eyeing the opportunity to apply as a company nurse, and I truly believe that God made a way for me to give it a try. Luckily, I was hired and started working the very next day. This has been such a blessing for me, as it's a job directly related to my field of study. I’ve now been working for almost 5 months at Bridge Culture Inc. as a company nurse, and so far, I love my work. I also appreciate how approachable and grateful the employees are.
Eighth Highlight of 2024: One of the most unforgettable experiences was being chosen as one of the speakers for a Mental Health Awareness seminar at the company. It was truly an honor to have the opportunity to lead this seminar, especially since I could personally relate to many of the employees. Together with my partner nurse and our team leader, I was guided and supported throughout the process. I am deeply grateful for their mentorship. This experience was truly unforgettable, as not everyone gets the chance to take on such an important role.
Ninth Highlight of 2024: After months of not going home to Danao, I finally made the trip back. This was a highlight for me because I rarely went home, as it often felt like a hassle due to the traffic and the distance. Most of the time, I used my rest days to relax, sleep, and prepare myself for work the following day. But this time, I had the chance to visit my family, spend time with my siblings, and reconnect with my dog, Bambi.
Last Highlight of my 2024: God blessed me with another year of life, and I am incredibly grateful to celebrate it with my loved ones. This was a special memory for me, as it was the first time I celebrated my birthday on the actual day neither in advance nor belatedly. I’m thankful for everything that has happened and for the people who made this year even more memorable.
As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself thinking back on all the events that influenced this year, including its successes and setbacks. This year has been filled with learning, development, and life-changing events. Every experience, from reestablishing contact with old friends to seizing new chances, has shaped who I am now. I am appreciative of all that 2024 has taught me, including the lessons, the people, and the inner strength I have found. I take these experiences and the knowledge I've gained with me into 2025, eager to see what lies ahead. Cheers to another year of development, happiness, and fresh starts.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!🎊
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and connect with my thoughts today. I’m excited to continue sharing my journey with you, and I hope you found something here that resonated or sparked an idea. This blog is a space for growth, inspiration, and conversation, and I’d love to hear your thoughts, feedback, or experiences in the comments. Feel free to share if something stood out to you. Here’s to many more stories, lessons, and moments of connection ahead! See you in the next post!