This is a submission for the 2025 New Year Writing challenge: Retro’ing and Debugging 2024.

Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth and Discovery

The unexamined life is not worth Living
-Socrates

As 2024 comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on a year filled with growth, exploration, and significant achievements. It’s been a journey of self-discovery and skill-building, shaping the person I am today. Here's a look at the highlights:

Diving Into Web Development

This year, I took the plunge into web development, immersing myself in technologies like React, Tailwind CSS, and Next.js. Building web applications from scratch was both challenging and exciting. It was incredible to see my ideas come to life on the screen, and I’m eager to keep building and refining my skills in this ever-evolving field.

Programming and Problem-Solving

2024 was also about sharpening my programming skills. Participating in Hacktoberfest was a rewarding experience, allowing me to contribute to open-source projects and connect with a vibrant developer community. On top of that, solving nearly 300 problems on LeetCode helped me build a strong foundation in data structures and algorithms, enhancing my ability to think critically and solve complex problems.

Excelling Academically

Maintaining academic excellence in my third year of college was no small feat. It required focus, dedication, and careful time management. Looking back, I’m proud of my efforts to balance academics with personal and professional pursuits.

Leadership and Collaboration

Being elected as the Vice President of my department association was a significant milestone. This role allowed me to lead initiatives, organize events, and work closely with my peers. It was a year of learning, as I honed my leadership and teamwork skills while contributing to the community.

Artistic Growth

Amidst the technical and academic pursuits, I made time to nurture my creative side. Improving my art skills became a therapeutic and fulfilling endeavor. Exploring new techniques and styles not only enhanced my skills but also enriched my perspective as a creator.

Content Creation: Blogging and YouTube

This year marked the beginning of my journey as a content creator. I started sharing the ideas and reflections I gathered from reading and watching fiction through my blog, using it as a platform for self-expression. Additionally, I launched my YouTube channel to explore new creative outlets and share my perspective in a different format.

2024 was a year of firsts, growth, and achievements. It taught me the value of perseverance, curiosity, and the courage to try new things. As I step into 2025, I’m excited to build on this foundation, explore new opportunities, and continue striving for excellence in all areas of my life.

Here’s to embracing the journey and making the most of every moment. Thank you, 2024, for being a year to remember.

Checkout my portfolio for my works:
https://pragadeeshn-portfolio.vercel.app/

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