Skip to main content

Almost 2025



Today marks the 27th of December, nearly 2025. As a tradition, I am once again making a brief post on reflecting on my previous year.

In my 2023 post, I said I loved 2023. But I think I loved 2024 even more. It doesn’t mean that things were always good, but I felt like I was alive. I experienced things deeply. It was definitely not a mundane year. My list of good things goes on and on. On the not-so-good list, there's ‘healing my broken heart’ and ‘putting on a few pounds,’ which, all things considered, aren't so bad. I am healthy, and so is my family, with a cute little addition to the crew.

This year, I finished my PhD. Well, almost. Submitted my PhD thesis and am now awaiting for my viva. I was awarded a fund for my project, which was quite an achievement for my career.

Presented at one more conference and really enjoyed the experience.

Travelled to 8 countries- 7 of them were brand new for me. I travelled through South East and East Asia in my crocs, living the hostel life, all by myself. It was a gift to myself from myself for finishing my thesis when the odds are stacked against me. I will forever cherish those memories.

Parted my ways with someone I once valued and embraced the concept of ‘letting go of what no longer serves me’.

Got a fringe—or should I say, 'got away with just a fringe.' Thank God I didn’t opt for anything more drastic, considering my circumstances.

Did teaching for the very first time and I didn’t suck at it. I’m over the moon for having overcome one of my worst fears, and I feel like I’m in the big leagues now.

Took on more responsibilities at work— I am still loving it.

Was invited to be a guest lecturer overseas, which made me incredibly happy. Like, people think I am good, really?!

Turned 30 and celebrated just the way I always wanted—a big party surrounded by my beloved friends.

Made some progress on my book, but I am still not there yet.

Flew many times, and yes, missed some of those flights. God, I hate flying.

Had a surgery for the first time— nothing serious, but the recovery was challenging.

Met so many nice people, some of whom have stuck with me. Kept most of my beautiful friends in my life.

As I close this chapter, I'm taking all these experiences with me—the good, the bad, and everything in between. Each moment has taught me a little more about myself and the world around me. I'm grateful for both the highs that lifted me and the lows that tested my resilience.

Looking ahead to 2025, I'm excited about what's to come. More adventures, more growth, and more time with the people who matter most. Here's to stepping into the new year with an open heart and ready for new challenges. As always- my best year is yet to come.

And that's a wrap baby.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

YLSY Sürecim

Üniversite üçüncü sınıf. Aziz hoca bir dersimizde “Türkiye'de akademisyen olabilmenin yolları”nı anlatıyor. O zaman bunun için 3 yol var: ÖYP, cari alımlar ve MEB bursu. O gün MEB bursunu duyunca çok heyecanlandığımı hatırlıyorum. Anneme anlatıyorum hemen, 6 sene çok fazla diyor; babam, Türkiye'de bir iş sahibi olmamı söylüyor. Benim için hiç kolay bir ikna süreci olmuyor. Kendimi ifade etme çabalarım hala gözümün önünden gitmiyor.  Bir sene sonra ÖYP kaldırılıyor. Yıkılıyorum. Sonra mezun oluyorum. Sonra 2016 yılında ilk kez YLSY tercih kılavuzu yayınlanıyor. İçinde özel hukuk yok. Benim hukuku sevme nedenim olan özel hukuk yok. Başvurmuyorum. Ama gerçekten çok üzülüyorum. Aradan birkaç ay geçiyor. Yıldırım Beyazıt Üniversitesi'ne yüksek lisansa kabul ediliyorum. Ve YLSY'yi tamamen unutuyorum. Çok güzel bir yüksek lisans dönemi... Hocalarımı çok seviyorum. Okulumu çok seviyorum. Beni gerçekten tatmin ediyor. Sonra staj başlatıyorum. Yüksek lisans ve stajı aynı...
14 comments
Read more

I TOLD MY STORY!

If you ask me what’s the coolest thing I’ve ever done in my life, I’d say, “Which one? I’ve done so many cool things!” But if you said, “Come on, be serious now,” I’d tell you: the day I told my story. That was the day I felt the bravest, coolest, and most inspired. It all started when one of my close friends invited me to the  TOUCH Network storytelling event. I was like, “Cool, let’s go.” I didn’t have any expectations, good or bad, except that I knew we’d see some farm animals since the event was taking place on a farm. So we went. It was a storytelling event, as advertised, but not just random storytelling. Four people talked about struggles they had overcome in life, how they did it, and what we could take from it. It was basically like TED Talks, but with fewer spotlights and more human touch. If you know me, you know I’m all about human connection, deep conversations, and touchy subjects. So I was so happy when I realized what was going on. I had the most beautiful tw...
3 comments
Read more

What the Pho: My Vietnam Journey

So many things to write about Vietnam… but this won’t be a long one. I just want to keep some practical points on record for the future. Vietnam was my first solo trip after a while, and also my first proper hostel experience. I’ve travelled solo a lot before, and I’ve stayed in hostels before, too. But this time it was just… different. I was truly sad when I left Hanoi. Exhausted after 11 days. Slightly sick. But also, sad. I think it’s genuinely amazing that human beings are capable of moving around the world and making connections. Like, I could literally meet a bunch of people from all around the world, have the most interesting and brave conversations, and then never see them again. Travelling is freeing on so many levels. And I think I’m starting to enjoy the human element of travelling more and more, even more than the “fantastic places” I’ve seen. In Vietnam, I felt that so strongly, and my extroverted side really came out towards the end, which is why I’m grateful. Some storie...
Post a Comment
Read more