Looking ahead: My plans for 2024

Every year, I choose one word that will represent the new year.  A word that encompasses what I will focus on and remind myself of. This could be a word that you feel your heart and mind needs to remember when working towards your goals. This can be difficult to figure out when you have no idea what’s in store for the next 12 months. It usually takes me a week to sit and reflect. This time, I couldn’t settle on one word, instead I chose what made sense to me. My words are to trust the process. 

I recently completed a Master’s degree of Communication Management from USC Annenberg. I’m incredibly proud of this achievement, but I also recognize the life changes that I’ll be going through this year. I’m entering a new chapter in my life that’s scary and exciting. Lately, I feel like I’ve been staring down at a pool, where I’m hesitant to jump in because the water might be too cold. With all that being said, you’re probably wondering what’s next for me.

In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my plans for 2024: 

My New Job at AAPD

This week, I’ll be starting my new role as an Internship Program Assistant at the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). I will assist the Program Manager in the coordination and development of AAPD’s summer and fall internship programs. I am also an alumna of the summer program (class of 2020), and it positively impacted my disability identity. I’m honored to continue being a part of this organization.

I feel empowered to uplift and support the next generation of young disabled advocates through these programs. In this new role, I have more responsibilities, and I’m excited about the work ahead.

Applying for JOBS

I know, I just talked about starting a new job! The reality is that my job is by contract and temporary. I aim to seek full-time, permanent employment to earn a stable income. My current employer is well aware that I’ll be job searching. This is the most daunting aspect of the new year. I will be putting myself out there, preparing my application materials, practicing for interviews, and waiting for a response. This entire process is where I lack trust. I need to remain hopeful and trust that everything will work out. So, I will take a deep breath whenever I feel overwhelmed. This process will take some time, and I’m putting my best effort into finding the right job. 

Learning to cook

A more fun and engaging goal is learning how to cook. Last year, I grew a strong interest in cooking and baking. I want to make essential dishes, and hopefully, I could have my signature dish that I’m known for. And I’ve already started! You can find me spending more time in the kitchen by observing my mom cook and trying it myself. I’m reading and memorizing new recipes. And, I will try not to cry and feel sorry for myself when I fail. This is a new skill that I have to give myself compassion when the food doesn’t turn out great. Again, I have to trust the process of cooking knowing that it’s going to take practice and a lot of patience. 

Getting back to my hobbies and Travel

Finally, I’m looking forward to doing some of my hobbies. Grad school and work took up most of my time last year, and I forgot how to relax. I want to practice my guitar and read a fun book. I also want to practice my French. If the opportunity presents itself, I want to make space to travel! I have a curiosity to explore and visit new places. I trust that I'll make it happen again this year. 

The metaphor of the pool is important because the water might be cold at first when you jump in, but as you continue to swim around, your body adjusts to the temperature of the water and it becomes more enjoyable—refreshing actually. 

That’s how I'll be approaching this new year. Feeling worried and anxious about change is normal, but we should also be open to and accepting of it. This is a friendly reminder to be hopeful and optimistic for exciting opportunities to come in 2024. Trust where you are today and trust that you will get to where you want to be. My intention with publishing blog posts is to be a source of positivity by sharing my experiences so that you can feel inspired to pursue your dreams, just like I've done.  I hope that you’ll join me in following my journey while I figure it out.