What a Time to Be Alive

Man is a mystery. It needs to be unraveled, and if you spend your whole life unraveling it, don’t say that you’ve wasted your time.

Dostoevsky’s words resonate deeply with me as I reflect on 2024.

I’ve never written a year in review before. Each time I’ve reached my goals in the past, I’ve felt an emptiness—a wave of nothingness washing over me. I used to think it was cool not to reflect on how far I’d come, but I’ve realized it was just a way to avoid the existential discomfort of questioning my value or purpose.

This year, however, has been nothing short of amazing. It’s been a year of growth, grit, and intentionality—a year where I made it my mission to let my work speak for itself, take charge of my future, and show up fully in every area of my life.

As I look back on the past 12 months, I see big decisions made, challenges overcome, wins celebrated, and foundations built for an even bigger year ahead. Life didn’t always unfold the way I imagined, but every twist and turn brought me closer to the person I want to be in the years to come.

Let me take you through my year—the highs, the lows, and the exciting plans for 2025.

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Owning My Work

If I had to summarize my career this year, it would be about quiet power—the kind of impact that doesn’t always grab headlines but changes the game for the people and systems that depend on me.

As a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE), much of my work happens behind the scenes, ensuring things run smoothly so others can shine. Let’s be honest: it can feel like a thankless job at times. But this year, I made it my mission to ensure that my impact wasn’t just seen but felt. I leveled up in every way possible—diving deep into tools, processes, and strategies that elevated both the company and myself as a professional.

One of my proudest achievements was driving my team’s efforts to secure a PCI-DSS license. This wasn’t just another compliance checkbox—it was a massive undertaking that showcased our commitment to security and reliability. My role involved ensuring our systems were robust, scalable, and fully compliant. The result? We didn’t just secure the license; we paved the way for future certifications that will unlock even more opportunities. Knowing that my work played such a pivotal role has been deeply fulfilling.

Another career highlight was leading our integration with Lightspark. This wasn’t just about technical execution; it was about fostering collaboration and unlocking new potential for growth. It proved how impactful strong partnerships can be when backed by focused effort and clear vision.

Tackling the Black Tax – Building a Stronger Foundation

There’s a difference between obligation and purpose. For a long time, I thought supporting my family was just my cross to bear. But this year, I realized it’s deeper than that. It’s about creating opportunities that ripple outward.

I took deliberate steps to ensure my siblings were set up for success, whether through education, career opportunities, or side hustles. By helping them build their own paths, I’ve significantly reduced the financial burden on myself and created a sense of shared empowerment within my family.

This achievement wasn’t just about money—it was about creating space for my own growth and freedom. Knowing my loved ones are thriving has been one of the most rewarding parts of my year.

Small Wins, Big Gratitude

Sometimes, the quiet wins hit the hardest. Here are a few that stood out:

• African Bitcoin Conference: Standing on that stage felt surreal. Sharing my story, my insights, and seeing people resonate with it—it was humbling. It’s moments like that where you realize the work you’re doing matters.

• Billie: She’s been my peace in the noise. From deep talks to quiet evenings, she’s reminded me what it means to feel seen, understood, and cared for.

• Health Reset: This year, I got intentional about taking care of myself. Intermittent fasting, daily movement, and real rest—it wasn’t about aesthetics; it was about feeling strong and staying focused.

Lessons Learned – The School of Life

This year wasn’t without its challenges, but each one taught me something valuable.

• Boundaries Are Self-Respect: As someone who gives freely, it hasn’t always been easy to say no. This year, I prioritized my peace, even when it felt uncomfortable. I’ve learned not everyone deserves access to my energy, and that’s okay.

• Letting Go: I had to walk away from relationships that no longer aligned with who I am or where I’m going. It wasn’t easy and definitely hurt at times, but it made space for better connections and a lighter heart.

• Leaning on Others: Whether it was collaborating on big projects or asking for help during personal challenges, I saw how community and teamwork can make all the difference.

Looking Ahead – Europe and Bigger Dreams

2024 laid the groundwork, but 2025 is where I build the vision.

1. Travel: Europe is calling, and I’m ready to step out of my comfort zone and into new experiences.
2. Skills: Whether it’s Rust for blockchain development or leveling up in MLOps, I’m here for the challenge. Growth isn’t just a goal; it’s the standard.
3. Relationships: Love, family, work—I’m doubling down on the people and connections that matter most.

Gratitude and Ambition

Here’s the thing: I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I know there’s more ahead. 2024 wasn’t just a chapter—it was a prologue. The story I’m writing is bigger than what I’ve done so far, and I’m stepping into 2025 with clarity, drive, and the energy to make it happen.

As Drake says, “When writing the story of your life, don’t let anyone else hold the pen.” The seeds I’ve planted this year will bear fruit, and I’m ready to embrace whatever comes next.

This isn’t about boasting. It’s about acknowledging the work, the lessons, and the blessings. It’s about being grateful for what I’ve achieved and staying hungry for what’s next.

Here’s to progress, purpose, and the moments that remind us why we keep moving forward.

Here’s to the journey—what a time to be alive.