2025 — this year.

I have so much to say about this year that if I tried to write everything down, I doubt my ink would suffice. So let me give a simple rundown. 

2025 was a roller coaster for me. It came with ups and downs, sweetness and sadness, certainty and confusion. Let me start with the good parts.

The year began with me defending my project as a student of Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. It was a moment of great joy. I worked on my dream topic—Gender-Based Violence Against Males. This is an issue I have always been passionate about, and I’m grateful that I was able to create awareness around the fact that men can also be victims of violence. In that moment, I truly felt like I became a degree hotter.

This year, I also landed a job as a receptionist in a hotel—and I learned a lot. I met people from different backgrounds and learned how to handle different personalities. Some customers were calm and pleasant, while others were easily irritated and required patience and composure. That job taught me professionalism, emotional intelligence, and effective communication. My colleagues were wonderful; we became one big family. They introduced me to new dishes—some I enjoyed, others… well, not so much.

I also improved my cooking skills this year. Cooking for people used to make me nervous, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and cook for commercial purposes. Watching people enjoy my food brought me so much joy. I’m now more confident in the kitchen and excited to try out new dishes.

This year, I learned a new skill. I enrolled in a Customer Relationship Management course, completed it, and earned my certificate. There were moments I wanted to give up, but by God’s grace, I pushed through. I chose this course because of my work experience and my desire to connect better with people.

I also decided to learn a new language. I’ve always loved French, so I went for it. I downloaded Duolingo and started learning. There were times I felt like giving up, but I kept reminding myself that what is worth doing is worth doing well.

This year, I picked up my pen again and returned to writing—not just writing, but posting my work too. Some days, ideas flow easily; other days, I struggle to find words. But I’m growing, and I’m getting better.

This year, I had my convocation at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Looking back at the four years that passed, I’m deeply grateful. I am not the same girl I was four years ago—and that growth means everything to me.

But this year wasn’t all smiles.

This year, I cried. I doubted. I questioned my faith. I felt like I was losing my mind at some point. I lost loved ones while still trying to heal from previous losses. My world felt like it was crumbling, and nothing made sense. I withdrew. I avoided people. At some point, I didn’t even want to go to church. I knew I was broken inside. I wanted solitude. Everything felt heavy and pointless.

But by God’s grace—and with the help of the right people—I pulled through. I chose to move forward again. They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and I believe that now. I am stronger and tougher than my former self.

This year, I battled insecurities. I felt scared. I overthought many things. But I am grateful for the people God placed in my life—sometimes, a simple call or message was enough to calm me down. I also learned never to underestimate the power of prayer. I now pray about everything, no matter how small or silly it seems. Prayer kept me going—silent tears, whispered words, honest conversations with God, crying until my chest felt lighter. I know God heard every single one, and I trust that He is working things out.

2025 had its highs and lows, but I’m grateful to have made it through with my loved ones. I am better than I was last year, and I give all glory to God.

Come 2026, I will do better than I did this year.