When I started 2025, I was a soon-to-be master’s graduate with both hopes and uncertainties for the year ahead. One thing I knew going into this year was that, after spending 2024 studying abroad, I was more motivated than ever to continue my adventures outside of South Africa, exploring the world while developing my personal and professional skills. If only I’d known then that a year later I’d have achieved this goal in the most unexpected way – in Spain, a country I had never visited before, and loving my role as an English Language Assistant, despite having no prior teaching experience.
My time in Spain with Meddeas is by far the highlight of my 2025. The last four months of last year working in Pamplona have been an absolute whirlwind. When I reflect on all the people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learnt, and the new perspective on my future that this experience has and continues to give me, it feels unbelievable to compare how I started this year to how I’m ending it. When I think about the last month alone, I cannot help but feel extremely grateful for all the new experiences and growth 2025 has brought my way that I couldn’t have predicted 12 months ago.
Thanks to local holidays and Spanish Christmas festivities, I have been able to travel and explore exciting places over the last month. Not only has being in Spain made it easier and more convenient for me to go on these trips, but I got to do so with an incredible group of friends that I met because of my placement in Pamplona. Ending 2025, learning about different places, cultures, and connecting with others from all over the world is a great reflection of how mind-opening and enlightening my 2025 has been.
My last month as a Language Assistant has also brought memories and achievements I couldn’t have imagined at the start of 2025. After months of getting to know and working with the wonderful students and staff at my school, it’s been incredible to finally start seeing the tangible results of my work. There is no better feeling than when my students are excited to have a lesson with me or when they come to tell me that they’ve passed their English exams with flying colours after hours spent helping them prepare. In all honesty, at the beginning of 2025, teaching was not my first choice for the next steps in my professional journey, but now, as the year comes to an end, I can confidently say all I needed was to actually give teaching a try to fall in love with it.
At the end of 2025, I feel very well settled into this exciting and rewarding role with Meddeas, but also comfortable and grateful to be in Spain. The last month has been particularly enjoyable as Pamplona prepares for Christmas. Ice skating, browsing Christmas markets, admiring lights, and having cosy dinners with friends I didn’t know a year ago have prompted me to reflect on just how much can change in a year for the good. I cannot wait to experience the Christmas and New Year festivities in Spain, and I’m looking forward to seeing what 2026 has to bring!
Author: Gabriella S.