You're probably thinking that I'm absolutely crazy for thanking 2020. This year came with COVID-19, more police brutality, a controversial election, and changed so many of our plans along the way. However, despite everything that has occurred, I choose to focus on the good.
This year, I have learned a lot about perspective. I chose to focus on the good rather than the bad. I chose to focus on things I can change, rather than matters outside of my control. I chose to invest my energy into my dreams and passions, and it has most definitely paid off!
At the end of 2019, I sat down and set some goals for what I wanted 2020 to look like for me. While this wasn't the perfect year, I want to take some time to reflect on those.
Love myself, and find a way to do that unconditionally - Let's just say I'm still working on this one. This year, I focused on loving myself - regardless of a grade, score, number on a scale, or someone else's opinion. I have learned to find my worth in the One who paid it all on the cross so that we could have life and have it more abundantly. This year has still been difficult, but I find myself smiling more and enjoying life more than I could've even imagined.
Be forgiving - This goal was to focus on forgiving myself, no matter what happens in life. Similarly to goal #1, I am still a work in progress but I am improving day by day.
Focus on learning instead of memorizing - ACHIEVED! I have finally gotten into most of my major classes. As a public health major, our classes have been application based. This past semester, I created a public health intervention plan to decrease obesity in a neighboring county, and I helped make a PSA video to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in college students.
Take the MCAT (and do well) - ACHIEVED! The MCAT was no easy feat, especially while balancing a full time courseload and a job. However, I conquered the MCAT and am so proud of myself for getting a competitive score for the programs I want to apply to. If you took the MCAT this year or are just starting your studying, I am so so so proud of you!
Become an official Clemson Tour Guide - ACHIEVED! I was only able to give 3 solo tours before my university shifted online due to COVID-19, but I loved every moment of it. Starting in January, I will be giving virtual tours, and I am hoping to be back giving in person tours as soon as it's safe!
Travel somewhere new - failed, lol thanks COVID-19. It was a bit of a bummer, but it was more important to me to stay safe and healthy. However, I am planning a fun Spring Break trip with my roommate, so I am hoping that things improve by then. Stay tuned to my insta @melanin.in.premed for all of the details.
Did you hit your goals this year? If so, let me know in the comments! If you didn't, no worries. As you can see, I didn't meet all of mine either. 2020 was a challenging time for many, and we all deserve to celebrate just for surviving. As this year comes to a close, I urge you to celebrate all of your accomplishments, no matter how big or small. Throughout your celebrations, remember we are still in the midst of a pandemic so ~wear a mask~ and ~social distance~
Check back here tomorrow to see all of my goals for the new year!