What I Learned From 2024…
From the big wins of success, money, love, friends, happiness, and grades to the setbacks of heartbreak, failing test scores, disagreements, and letting go, 2024 has been a whirlwind of experiences and emotions. Realize that “doing it for the plot” stirs our destiny; maybe some things aren’t always as ideal as they seem. I dedicate these five takeaways to the unexpected summer acquaintance who helped me gain clarity and understanding about life.
The Art of the Hustle Is in the Details
Being a college student, balancing internship applications, joining new clubs, and keeping my tennis game strong isn’t easy. I’ve juggled many roles – it’s part of the show of life. As my favorite DJ, John Summit, would say, “Comfort in the Chaos.” The invaluable lesson from my unexpected summer acquaintance: “It’s the little things that matter in life,” reminding me how each moment does matter. The past defines us and each detail paints the picture of a masterpiece. Take the good with the bad. As Lisa Rinna would say “don’t hustle the hustler.” Stay focused, keep on your track, and surround yourself with who you want to become.
Expectations Are Yours to Manage, and Real Connections Matter Most
We all get caught up in chasing the wrong things. Catch me running in circles with the same dilemma. From the illusion of social media popularity or shallow connections, it’s easy to fall into the trap of numbers. My friendly acquaintance showed me it's about the ones who are worth it at the end of the day. Speaking of a ROTH IRA or investing into ETF’s, choose wisely with what resonates with you. The face value lies truly in who shows you what you mean to them, not the “liked your story” notification.
Fashion is About Expressing, Not Defining
What makes me smile is clothes, especially upgrading my wardrobe. From investment pieces to cute dainty little trends, maybe it's not always about the labels. Half true, but how those pieces make you feel. Think of the cause and effect; society loves to define us by what we wear, but fashion is what allows you to be yourself. To show the world how iconic you are, stay authentic, do what you love- that’s what matters most.
There’s a Silver Lining After All
We all have goals, but the real focus should be on progress. Counting every night I spent up for hours creating quizlets, practice tests, and color-coming my notes. Maybe in the end it was all worth it? Absolutely, because the blood, sweat, and tears that shape who you are. Tomorrow is just a fresh beginning, think of the end goal. Yesterday is simply the page you already wrote and a chapter that has been written. Remember the struggle, but change the purpose. Effort matters most and results are just the effect of doing so.
Music IS the Moment
From Spotify to SoundCloud, music is my constant companion. Whether I'm curating the perfect playlist for a study session or setting the vibe for a Saturday night, it’s my outlet and escape. Sometimes, it’s okay to let the music match your mood—even if that mood is a good cry just to let it go. But here’s the thing: music doesn’t just reflect us; it shapes us. It influences what we feel, what we know, and what we attract. In some strange way, we must shift our energy toward meaning when we choose what we listen to. Maybe music is the secret ingredient to moving forward into 2025.
My Wrap Up
2024, you’ve shown me that the court is yours, but how you play the game is entirely up to you. You’ll win some, you’ll lose some, and sometimes, you won’t know what direction the ball is coming from. But showing up, racquet in hand, ready to serve—that counts.
Cheers to 2025—the year that’s about to steal the show. Our future’s waiting just around the corner, so darling, wake up, step into it, and make it yours. Imperfectly perfect—that's the theme I’m carrying into 2025. With hope, dreams, and hard-earned lessons, these are worth sharing.
Xoxo, Brigitte Rapillo