I can hardly believe that it’s already 2025!
This year has so many exciting things to look forward to… I have presentations, interviews, weddings, trips, and more planned this year! As the New Year begins, I like to take time and reflect on what I loved about the past year and what I would like to change going forward.
Let’s take a moment together and reflect on what was great about 2024 –
- I was an awarded finalist in the University of Tennessee’s 3-minute thesis competition.
- I was honored to be one of 12 faculty, postdocs, and graduate students selected for UT’s Community Engagement Academy.
- I completed my Master’s Thesis on Rural Food Insecurity.
- I traveled with friends to Asheville for my birthday and had a great time exploring the restaurants, art district, and hiking trails in Asheville.
- Note: I am holding WNC in my heart as they begin rebuilding – I know the people of WNC are resilient, but my heart broke with Helene’s devastation.
- I became Certified in Public Health in the Summer.
- I took and passed the Certified Health Education Specialist exam this fall.
- I completed my Master of Public Health program.
- I began working on grants that work to address obesity and diabetes rates in Tennessee, allowing me to do work that directly contributes to improving the health of rural Tennesseans.
- I traveled and visited my friend who moved to South Carolina.
- I took two fantastic trips to Charlottesville, enjoying the history and food of the area.
- I celebrated my cousin’s engagement – very exciting!
- I went to Gulf Shores for the first time and am already planning my next trip back!
However, like all great years, some things could’ve been better – and they are part of my new goals for 2025.
For me, exercises like this help me clarify my thinking about the year as a whole and not simply focus on the bad or the fourth quarter. I find this especially helpful as I plan the year ahead and what I want to accomplish.
How do you plan for the upcoming year? What went great for you last year?
Thanks for reading, happy 2025!
CMB
