2024 Reflection and 2025 Resolution

**Professional Career

• For 2024, I wouldn't say I have learnt a lot technically. I still work at Samsung with the same techstacks of Vuejs and FastAPI so I didnt learn any new major frameworks. However, I had the opportunity to work on Datagen for a few months and frankly, I felt stressed and daunted because we, as cofounders, did not have much of startup experience and mostly attempted to navigate the lifeboat of the so-called AI-integrated technology. Despite the abrupt leave on the project, I feel grateful to have joined Datagen, which allowed me to gain starter insight into the world of startup, its terms and how it should operate. Though I did not have to collaborate with other founders at the same time frame, I felt stressed not being able to work with them after 10pm since my body literally deteriorates 10x faster if I stay up late, which I, in all earnesty, can feel deep inside. Additionally, I have the chance to network with people from various fields and though I did not make many business connections, I allowed myself to go out of my comfort zone to participate into those networking events and listen to those successful stories, which inspires me greatly and brings a sense of tech community. I was also lucky to connect with a real estate broker and on the verge of starting another startup project; yet, the notion died due to immature communication issue that, I conclude, will be a huge indicator of how other team members work later on and I did not want to risk it. Collaboration and communication are two essential keys to build a startup. In spite of heated discussions or disagreements, they are necessary for the team to grow together, learn about each other's working style, and to create something great together. Coming to 2025, I want to learn more on the technical side including interview questions, DevOPs and especially AI. I dabbled a little bit of RAG using OpenAI, yet I would love to create a meaningful application that could help people. I also want to go to more professional events. AITX is a great org that I definitely will try to go more often and participate in their hackathon event. These are what I love about software engineering, you never stop to learn and there are always opportunities for you to grow.
  **Relationship
• 2024 marks a year of fulfilling relationships. I met so many new people and hang out with different people. Friendship-wise, I think this year I created much deeper and stronger connection with people by allowing myself to be vulnerable and authentically me. I tried to keep in touch with people that I highly regard as my true friends and I sincerely thank myself for doing this as adults usually get lost in the middle of the hustled life. This Christmas is the first time I wrote letters to both friends and family and it was a great opporunity for gratefulness and inspiration to me and to those who I truly appreciate and love. My relationship with my parents has gotten a lot better with less arguments and fightings, given my creating a concrete boundary to protect my inner child from getting hurt. Though I and my sister aged out, I really did my best to reach out to USCIS to confirm the case, which I thought was expensive but totally worth it. Regarding my love life, I do not have much update on this but do want to say seeing M at the office is enough for me. I never fantasize that we would further become something. I just think that we have lots of chemistry and would be great if we try out dating. But now, I have this crush on this T and the emotion is totally different. Whenever I see T, it brings me happiness and smile. I dont really know why but I do want to ask T out and see if we're a match. I, for once, need to take up the courage to initiate and ask.
  **Self-Care and Personal Development
• This year I think I take care of myself a lot better. I dont get sick as much with the power of Vitamin C and D. I go to the gym every weekday, run along the Pflugerville river and play pickleball more often. I also start playing piano back and read the books that lie there sadly on the bookshelf. For 2025, I will continue all the hobbits that I start in 2024. I just need to cancel out the noises of distractions to concentrate on what really matters and what adds to my intrinsic value.
  **Looking Forward
• For these three categories, I lay out a few goals I need to achieve. To add to the list, I am going to study the stock market and learn how to be a day trader. I think I am comfortable enough about stock market to learn and start my journey. My friends are very into crypto and moonshot so I might give it a try. Also, I want to buy a house. I am not about tying myself to Austin but I do want some of stability. I have been craving for a cozy house lately and I think I am ready. This will be one of my big goals for 2025. Regarding jobs, I might change the company. I allow myself to get attached to people at the company but the thought of still being able to connect with them and hang out with them soothes me a lot. Life is harsh, on-going and unprecedented but I truly believe that people happen to my life for a reason and if we are meant to be with each other, we shall meet again!