# Year in Review(2024)

If I had to describe 2024 in one sentence, I’d call it a year of growth, resilience, and learning how to roll with life’s punches. It wasn’t perfect (let’s be honest, is it ever?), but it gave me so much to reflect on, be thankful for, and look forward to. So grab a snack, settle in, and let me walk you through my year—the good, the bad, and everything in between.

#### **The Highlights Reel** 🎉

Let’s start on a high note. Despite the challenges, 2024 gave me some truly remarkable moments and achievements that made the grind worthwhile:

1. **President of the Young People’s Guild**\
   This year, I took on the role of president at my church’s Young People’s Guild. It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life so far. Leading a group of dynamic, passionate individuals comes with its challenges, but it also brings immense joy. I learned to balance different opinions, make tough decisions, and inspire others—all while keeping my own faith at the center of it all. It’s taught me patience, humility, and the true meaning of servant leadership.
2. **API Certifications Completed**\
   After months of hard work and late nights, I finally completed all my API certifications. This wasn’t just a career milestone but a personal victory. Diving deep into API security, development, and product management has been challenging, but it’s also opened up new opportunities for me. It’s like I’ve unlocked the next level of my career, and I couldn’t be prouder.
3. **Cape Town Adventure**\
   Traveling to Cape Town, South Africa, was a dream come true. The breathtaking landscapes, the vibrant culture, and the sheer beauty of the city reminded me why it’s so important to take a step back and enjoy life. Whether it was hiking Table Mountain, exploring the waterfront, or just soaking in the stunning views, this trip was everything I needed to recharge and gain a fresh perspective. I also became very interested in South African music and culture during and long after the trip. My Spotify playlists are filled with them. Also I got the name ***Tshabalala*** so I'll be officially emigrating🤣

   <figure><img src="https://1180114700-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAk4kX7gCdOEwl5TE7zo0%2Fuploads%2F5naDaqlaUy8JTyx8l8My%2FIMG_8715.jpeg?alt=media&#x26;token=36b7a0f8-4b1a-4cfc-a6a1-f7abf5245f5d" alt=""><figcaption><p>At the Robben Island Prison Courtyard</p></figcaption></figure>

   <figure><img src="https://1180114700-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAk4kX7gCdOEwl5TE7zo0%2Fuploads%2FB8HD3hfKMUWReAf0WySY%2FIMG_8409.jpeg?alt=media&#x26;token=25e5f68d-b721-4a9c-be4d-9069fed1eafe" alt=""><figcaption><p>At the Company's Garden</p></figcaption></figure>
4. **Learning Vue.js**\
   As a developer, staying ahead in the tech world means constantly learning. This year, I picked up Vue.js—a JavaScript framework I’d been curious about for a while. It’s been exciting to integrate it into my projects and see how it opens up new possibilities for building dynamic and interactive applications.
5. **Closer to God**\
   One of the most fulfilling parts of this year was deepening my relationship with God. It’s given me a sense of peace and purpose that’s hard to put into words. Whether through prayer, reflection, or simply being more present in my spiritual journey, this connection has been a source of strength through the highs and lows.
6. **Happier, Healthier Me**\
   Perhaps the most significant achievement of all—I’m genuinely happier this year. I’ve made intentional efforts to prioritize my mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and it’s paid off. Life feels a little lighter, and I’m grateful for that.

#### **The Challenges** 😤

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. This year threw its fair share of curveballs my way:

1. **Unmet Goals**\
   At the start of the year, I had big plans: leaving the country to pursue my Master’s degree, buying a car, and ticking off a few other major milestones. Unfortunately, not all of them worked out. The Master’s program didn’t happen, and the car? Well, it’s still on the wish list.
2. **Job Rejection**\
   There’s nothing quite like the sting of a job rejection, especially when you felt like you gave it your all. This year, I faced one that really shook my confidence. It’s tough to come so close to something you want and not get it, but I’ve come to see it as a learning experience.
3. **Losing a Friendship**\
   One of the hardest things this year was losing a close friend. It wasn’t something I expected, and it hurt deeply. Misunderstandings and poor decisions led to a rift that couldn’t be mended. It was a tough reminder that sometimes, people grow apart, and that’s okay—even if it hurts.

#### **Biggest Lessons of 2024** 🧠

If 2024 taught me anything, it’s this:

1. **You Are Not Your Goals**\
   I’ve always been a goal-oriented person, so falling short of some of my ambitions this year hit hard. But I’ve learned that my worth isn’t tied to what I accomplish—or don’t. Goals are important, but they don’t define me. Trusting God’s timing has been a big part of this realization.
2. **Happiness Comes From Within**\
   This year reinforced the idea that true happiness starts with yourself. It’s about being content with who you are and where you are, regardless of external circumstances.

#### **Career Wins** 💻

Professionally, this year was solid. Completing all my API certifications was a major highlight, and I even started the AWS certification journey, aiming to become a Cloud Architect. At work, I took on more responsibilities that leaned into marketing—a surprising but exciting twist for a software engineer.

One of the coolest projects I worked on was a *Remittance as a Service* platform. It was challenging, but seeing the final product made it all worth it.

#### **The Fun Stuff** 🏓

It wasn’t all work and no play—2024 had plenty of fun moments too:

* **Table Tennis**: My love for table tennis grew exponentially this year. It’s become more than just a hobby; it’s my go-to way to unwind and challenge myself.
* **Skincare and Cardio**: I finally got serious about my skincare routine and cardio workouts. Taking care of myself feels good, and I’m loving the results.
* **Journaling**: Picking up journaling again has been a game-changer. It’s helped me process my thoughts, reflect on my day, and stay grounded.

#### **Relationships: The Good and the Tough** 🤝💔

This year, I strengthened my bond with my parents, which was incredibly fulfilling. On the flip side, I lost the friendship I had with close friend, which was one of the toughest parts of the year. Relationships aren’t always easy, but they’re worth investing in—even when things don’t go as planned.

#### **Giving Back** 🙌

Helping others has always been important to me, and this year, I made an effort to give back whenever I could. Whether it was providing for someone in need or just being there for a friend, I’ve found joy in making a difference, no matter how small.

#### **Gratitude and Goals** 🌟

As the year comes to an end, I’m incredibly grateful for my life, my health, and the relationships that have carried me through. I’m blessed to have people in my corner who remind me of what truly matters.

Looking ahead to 2024, my goals are clear:

* Buy a car.
* Complete my *FixIt* project—a platform to connect homeowners with service providers.
* Learn WordPress and start building sites for extra income.
* Launch a YouTube channel to teach programming.
* Join a gym and bulk up.

#### **Final Thoughts**

2024 was a year of growth, learning, and a mix of triumphs and trials. If I had to sum it up, I’d call it an *amazing first half and a “meh” second half*. But that’s life, right? It’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes frustrating—but it’s also beautiful and full of opportunities to grow.

Here’s to a new year filled with fresh challenges, exciting opportunities, and even more reasons to smile. Bring it on, 2025!
