This year was about re-exploring myself. I discovered new hobbies and travelled to many places. Professionally, I achieved significant breakthroughs. In terms of personal growth, I read many books and listened to numerous podcasts, learning valuable lessons—such as the importance of choosing the right path, maintaining an open mindset, and weighing the pros and cons of different decisions. Unexpectedly, I was honoured as an Outstanding Graduate, featured on the Wall of Excellence at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS), Mosaic Digital Hub and included in University of Lincoln’s annual brochure.
Professional Growth
Apart from my usual responsibilities, I also took on B2B database projects and planned and executed events. Working with multiple third parties helped me realise the importance of clear communication, expectation management, and project coordination. It’s crucial to drive projects forward from a big-picture perspective while also paying attention to details and various stakeholders.
After launching the website in January, inquiries started increasing organically. A year’s worth of effort paid off, and the website update was a great success, laying a solid foundation for future advertising efforts. I also experimented with video ads—specifically portrait ads in the B2B niche market—which performed well and garnered good engagement.
New Hobbies & Self-Discovery
This year, I discovered new interests: tennis, guitar, Spanish, and heels dance.
- Tennis: I was surprised to find Eastgate so close to my home—I hadn’t realised I could learn tennis there earlier! Once I started playing seriously, I found it incredibly fun. After working at my desk for over eight hours a day, playing tennis outdoors in the evening became a form of enjoyment. Frequent winter games also strengthened my resistance to the cold, and I met many new friends through the sport.
- Guitar: Learning guitar opened up a whole new world for me. I used to have no idea how to read sheet music, but after taking lessons, I learned to read and understand why certain songs are considered masterpieces. Practicing guitar also helps me enter a state of flow, where I lose track of time and everything around me. The sense of accomplishment from mastering a song is truly rewarding.
- Spanish: Studying Spanish introduced me to yet another new world. I enjoy the process of learning a language—not only does it help me chat with locals and read signs while travelling, but it also deepens my understanding of their culture.
- Heels Dance: This dance style helped me embrace my feminine side. It requires a balance of form, flexibility, technique, and strength. While it may not involve many moves, the training is extensive, and I genuinely enjoy every session.
Through these new hobbies, I rediscovered myself once again. It’s never too late to learn something new.
Outstanding Alumni Recognition
This year, I was honoured to be featured on the Outstanding Alumni Wall at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS). Being recognised as a role model by my dream university was a truly proud moment. When I returned to China, seeing my name and message on the wall and taking photos there was an unforgettable experience.
In September, I was invited by University of Lincoln to return and give a speech as an outstanding graduate. Every time I see fresh new faces in the audience, I feel envious—they’re at the beginning of their university journey, with so many opportunities and time for self-development ahead of them. I hope my small speech can inspire and motivate them.
I was also featured by Mosaic Digital Hub! I love meeting like-minded people at Mosaic. Everyone has their own specialised areas, such as marketing strategy, advertising, eCommerce, web development, software, etc. I enjoy engaging with different individuals to broaden my understanding of various domains. I truly appreciate the community and am grateful for my company’s support in allowing me to work at Mosaic.
Cognitive Growth
This year, my perspective on life evolved through books and podcasts. One key realisation: ages 26 to 35 are life’s peak years, as it’s when we have optimal physical condition, financial stability, and freedom.
Here’s what I read:
📖 Books (4): Die with Zero, How Brands Grow, Building a Portfolio Life, Surrounded by Idiots
🎧 Audiobooks (14): Homer’s Epics, Night Reading Su Dongpo by Luo Zhenyu, Breakfast with Seneca, The Dark Corners of the Starry Sky, Aesthetics of Life by Liu Yuedi, Emperor Song Taizu, Hidden Potential, The Options of Our Era, The Post-Work Era, For You, Jerusalem, The Invention of the Jewish People, Jerusalem: The Biography, Why We Love to Drink, The Brothers Karamazov
Lessons learned:
✔ Stay open-minded, be content, but never lose the drive to improve.
✔ Face reality and accept what’s beyond my control.
✔ Choosing the right field and direction is more valuable than blind effort. Stay aware of global trends and adjust strategies accordingly.
✔ In 2025, I aim to acquire more skills, especially in AI development, to stay ahead rather than be replaced.
Exploring New Places
This year, I travelled extensively:
📍 February: Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau
📍 March-April: London, Cambridge, York, Edinburgh (with Sisi & Kiko)
📍 May: London (Mamma Mia! Musical)
📍 June: Croatia (wedding), Norfolk Holiday Park
📍 July: Majorca (weekend getaway)
📍 August: Office training in Trowbridge
📍 September: Birmingham (business trip)
📍 October: Lisbon
📍 November: Two trips to London
📍 December: Guangzhou, Beijing (wedding)
Constantly being on the move meant I didn’t create much content for my own social media, but travelling brought me immense joy. I truly felt free. I worked hard, but I also played hard! In the future, I’d love to create more travel videos—not just as keepsakes but also for social media followers.
Final Thoughts
In 2024, I became more open-minded and reconnected with myself through various new hobbies. Though I was always on the move, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I also grew mentally, gaining new perspectives that helped me mature.
This summary is a little late, but better late than never! Onward to 2025!
