When 2025 started, I started it without a plan. In fact, my New Year’s resolution was to decide what I wanted to do next year. For context, I was starting my final semester at my university, working part-time as a server at a local eatery, training in taekwondo, and I had just missed the deadline to apply to my master’s program. The future was looking blank, bleak and was largely defined by the idea to “graduate and figure it out”. I didn’t even have a summer job lined up.
On my horizon for 2025 were small things: I was going to see my favourite band in concert, which I was very excited for. I was also going to see my first NHL hockey game in person, and I was feeling a big connection to the Canadian spirit with all of these fun events to come.
That makes it all the more surprising that by the end of that same year, I found myself in Spain. I’m still watching NHL games, but now I have to stream them the next day because the time difference makes it so games start at one in the morning. I did see my favourite band in concert, and it was an amazing experience. But I thought that that would be my biggest project of the summer, and it turns out that it wasn’t. My biggest summer project (and spring project, if I’m being honest) turned out to
be getting my visa to go to Spain.
In truth, Meddeas wasn’t even on my timeline at the beginning of 2025, and now I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
And for 2026?
I’m no longer applying for a master’s; instead, I’m applying to a teacher’s college. I already have a summer job lined up abroad. I’ve been to Europe twice this year, and this time I’m not visiting– I’m living here.
I’ve thrown myself into being a Language Assistant more than I expected to. I’ve built real routines and relationships, and I’ve received kind, encouraging feedback from the teachers I work with. Most importantly, I feel genuinely fulfilled being with the students every day. It’s the kind of work that leaves me really tired in a good way– the kind of way that feels meaningful.
At the start of the year, I didn’t have a clear direction (or any direction, for that matter). At the end of it, I don’t have everything figured out either, but I do have something arguably better: a sense of purpose, momentum, and a growing belief that I may have found the work I want to keep doing for a long time.
And honestly? That feels like a pretty good way to end the year.
Author: Brianna A.