It’s that time of the year again for the customary Year in Review post. 2024 has been an unbelievable year. I met new friends, learned new things, made new plans, and embarked on a new journey.

Big Events

January – Began the new year.
February – Joined a computer science impact activity at Zhoushan.
March – Began getting a taste for the academics of machine learning; began making a plan for college; earned finalist for IMMC 2024.
May – AP Exams
July – Finished CS 61B, UC Berkeley’s course in data structures.
August – Began pre-project activities in accessibility.
September – New school year; launched Project Whale for Whale Cafe; launched new year activities for WebArtistry the student club.
October – Finished SAT testing.
November – Admitted to Pioneer Academics; began further work on the accessibility project.
December – Got through USACO Bronze; finished Multivariable Calculus on MIT OCW; first time to sing at school.

What I Learned

I learned to have fun. I was way too serious, perhaps—way too focused on myself. This year, and especially last semester, I learned to have fun. I did the things that made me happy, be it singing or helping people with their AP Seminar work. I met new people, engaged with people, and no longer ran away from people.

I learned to treasure time with family. It dawned on me—I have very limited time to spend with my family remaining. I still have a couple of years in high school, but afterwards, I’m going abroad for college, and I wouldn’t have much time to spend with family anymore.

I learned to exercise. I spent a lot of time in front of screens, and my physical strength has always been on the low side. This year, I began to work out daily to improve my strength so that I can work more and do better.

I learned about our community. I broadened my perspective. I met people in situations that are wholly different from my own. People who are disabled. People who are visually impaired. I saw their struggles and had my own reflections. Maybe I can do something? Maybe I can make a difference?

I learned about college admissions. I understood what I need to do to reach my goals, and I have a plan in mind. I am working every day to accomplish my goals.

Where I’m At

School. I’m well on my way with my plan for college.

Health. I’m very healthy. I’m beginning to exercise more.

Love. My family relationships are great. My high school community relationships are great.

New Year’s Resolutions

Keep up with exercising. I want to continue to improve my strength, for that it helps not only with strength but also with my daily performance and clarity of mind.

Keep up with working hard. I want to continue to follow my plans and work hard to achieve my goals. Next year is going to be a huge year, as all my extracurricular activities are going to come into fruition. Specifically, I want to…

• Maintain my GPA.
• Score high in the September TOEFL and October SAT.
• Get to USACO Platinum.
• Get to fruition with my accessibility project.
• I want to get a good result in my Conrad Challenge project!
• Expand the impact of WebArtistry.
• Finish learning Linear Algebra and Introduction to Machine Learning. Learn even more to empower my discovery of computer science.
• Experience the research process to dive deeper into computer science.
• Meet new people and gain new resources through opportunities like summer programs and Pioneer Academics.

Keep up with caring. I want to continue to care about the people around me and about societal issues. I want to make my own impact on people. I want to make more friends and be more open.

Keep up with my family. I want to spend more time with my family. I want to chat with them more, share with them more, and stand in their shoes more.

Onwards, 2025!

(Dec 29, 2024)