My Reflection on 2021

My Reflection on 2021

As I reflect on the year, I realize that no, I haven’t achieved all that I had planned to achieve this year and I wasn’t able to follow through with my New Year’s Resolutions. But, instead of sulking on what I didn’t do, I also realized that I have taken steps towards the big goals I had and that I have achieved more than I had even planned to achieve this year. Instead of checking off my New Year’s Resolutions from the beginning of the year, I decided to instead, reflect on what I DID DO, all the amazing things that have happened to me this year and the progress that I made. This is a major lesson I've learned to end off the year-some progress is better than nothing!

This year, I was able to truly focus on myself, grow and become a better version of myself- this is the highlight of the year. The pandemic really did make some things difficult, such as no trips out of the country, less outings and being unable to see my friends often. But it also was beneficial as I began to appreciate the smaller things around me. I got into plants this year for starters which was unimaginable as I never cared to even appreciate them. But this year, being stuck at home all day, I really began to appreciate plants, the outdoors and just being able to get fresh air and enjoy the scenery during my daily walks through my local trail. I think I’ve become a flower-lady! Not only did I appreciate plants, but I was also fortunate to have spent an entire year at home with my family. I truly didn’t value this opportunity before but after being away from my family for 4 years for University, I missed this time and I’m not sure of when I will get this opportunity again as I will be studying in the USA for my clinical rotations and my future destination is unpredictable!

I faced some losses this year as well with the start-up and failure of a brand I began and was unable to dedicate time to due to the onset of medical school which required my full attention. This truly taught me not to be too ambitious as I was and I had no plan of what I was doing, failed to take time to truly research my business and I had just jumped into it without considering its implications. This taught me the important of having a plan and researching before starting something! I also had some ups and downs with my medical school applications and finding the right study techniques in medical school. At the beginning of the year, my major challenge was figuring out my pathway and getting into medical school. I was struggling with finding references for my applications and I was trying to apply to other Masters’ courses as an alternative. A few months later, I had my references and I had been accepted to medical school which is still unbelievable as its one step closer to my dream!This truly taught me to believe in myself and not give up on my dream as I worked super hard this year to get to where I am today! At the beginning of 2021, I could never have imagined even getting into medical school, but here I am, at the end of 2021, already done my first term! Another challenge I faced this year was my confidence in medical school and finding the best studying technique for me! I began the year using my original techniques and was able to score competitively on my first medical school exam. However, this technique was truly time-consuming, and I started to try to play around with my studying techniques and was overconfident, causing me to score lower on the next exams and face burnout. Near the end of the term, I was able to score high on the OCEX and Lab exam, but I had lost my confidence. Now, as I enter my second term, I realize my mistakes throughout the term, and it truly was a lesson I learned to take into the new year.

Although I had some downfalls this year and challenges, I also had some amazing events happen to me this year! I began my blogging account on Instagram at the beginning of 2021 which was able to grow to 1.2K followers over the year even though I slacked with my content! I’m grateful for the community I joined on Instagram and the amazing people who I’ve connected with and who have supported me on my journey! This is exactly what inspired me to focus more on my page and expand it into my blog website and create more content in 2022! Next, I successfully boosted my undergrad GPA through my 5th year and graduated with a BSc in an Honors Specialization in Biology with a Major in Cell Biology. Although I began the year disappointed in myself for having to take an extra year of my undergrad, I also realize how valuable it was and how much it truly benefited me as I was able to connect with professors and succeed in more challenging courses! I was able to volunteer in my community for a STEM program and an English tutoring program which felt amazing to be able to get back to volunteering which is something I’ve always had a passion for! 2021 also of course, allowed me to become one step closer to my career goal through my admission into medical school and the successful completion of my first term with a decent GPA! I made my first appearance on tv by being in a virtual audience on the Marilyn Denis Show which was a truly exciting experience for me!

Aside from the achievements I had this year, I also was able to better improve myself by improving the things that made me feel unconfident which is my weight and acne! In 2021, I truly began focusing on my health! Although I failed to follow a diet and didn’t fully commit myself to working out, I did begin to incorporate healthy foods into my diet and working out more often! Although I couldn’t reach my weight loss goal, I was healthy, and I did take steps towards my goal which is what matters the most! This year, I also took control of my acne and eliminated it! I took time to research the products that worked best on me and focused on maintaining a healthy skin care routine to improve my skin which made a significant difference!

In 2021, I also began to listen to podcasts on self-improvement to grow mentally as a person rather than my typical romantic and cheesy Bollywood music I always used to listen to. I focused on myself and stopped fantasizing about a “prince charming” coming to fix things and give me a fairy-tale ending like in Bollywood, but rather focused on growing myself and forcing myself to take the steps towards my dream! Podcasts are my way of focusing on myself and learning more on how to improve myself. I recommend the Jay Shetty “On Purpose” Podcast, it truly helped me and gave me motivation through my more difficult days this year. Not only did I make changes to my lifestyle, but I also made new friends and connections and met some pretty special people who inspired me, motivated me to work harder and helped me deal with my difficulties this year! I’m truly grateful for all of you who have supported me this year and continue to be there for me!

Overall, I’ve had an amazing year and I look forward to all that is in store for 2022!

Major Lessons I Learned from 2021

1. Be humble, don’t be too overconfident!

2. Be aware of what you post and see on social media, don’t post things before you do them and stop comparing!

3. Know your worth and don’t chase people!

4. Maintain connections and meet new people!

5. Prioritize yourself, your goals and don’t give up!

6. Some progress is better than no progress!

7. Use your time wisely and don’t stop learning!

8. Importance of patience and remaining calm!

9. Be grateful

CHECK OUT MY REEL ON MY REVIEW OF THE YEAR!