“A year’s end is not just a closing chapter, it’s a mirror reflecting one’s growth and resilience, a reflection of the strength you’ve found within.”
Despite the storms and sunshine I underwent, these 366 days have simply been split into a stack of memories, mirroring my growth in 2024. As I ponder upon my experiences, triumphs, and contentment, I laugh to know how much I have transformed into a more mature and wiser individual.
Experience and Exposure
In the year 2024, I took a massive leap into High School. People tend to affirm that this period is about accentuating our identities, and I couldn’t agree anymore. Although this was my first year in this new stage, I got to illuminate who I truly am, and what I can truly do.
Taking part in innumerable events like ‘Spelling Bee’, and ‘Writing a Book in a Day’, enabled me to delve into the beautiful play of words. Participating in STEM MAD and Building Bridges, permitted me to contemplate upon things which no one tends to direct their thoughts towards. Doing Drama Club and the Athletics Carnival, composed my confidence and competitiveness towards challenging activities. Finally, by signing up for Bollywood Dance and Peer Companions to be held in 2025, I exhibited the readiness to expand myself as a learner. Delving into these new tasks, aided in composing a distinction which announced to everyone – ‘This is Aarna!’
Dosti main ‘no sorry, no thank you’
“Will you be my friend?” This one question had so much power that it composed beautiful and unwavering friendships that nurtured me with endless compassion and support. This year I made friends with beautiful people who made my good times better and the hard times easier. Although there were slight ups and downs in relationships, these events enabled me to learn and grow into a better individual. By becoming comfortable with a group of friends, I learnt that friends can bear the brunt of being taken for granted and they will still thrive without the ‘sorry’s or thank you’s’.
Adventure
As an avid reader, the year 2024 altered my reading preferences. From reading books about fantasy and magic, I was transferred into a world of mystery and adventure. This transition enabled me to dig deeper into different books and lose myself in different lives. The only thing that can replace these bundles of joys is another book. Thus, I cannot wait to see what books 2025 has in store for me. Talking about adventures, this year my family and I also visited different places and we underwent new and thrilling escapades. In Canberra, we visited places that baffled us. In Foster, we relished the beach walks at night. And in New Zealand, we were absolutely stunned by the picturesque views of nature. 2024 was undeniably a year of thrill and adventure.
Reflection
Finally, I believe that at the end of each year, we should grasp a few moments and reflect upon the new things that we have learnt. After stressing out about completing the assignments from school, I learnt that managing my time was fundamental for me to have some clarity and achieve my goals. After having my eyesight deteriorate slightly, I learnt that I must look after myself by understanding what my body needs. Finally, after seeing how some people aren’t as privileged as me, I started cherishing and feeling grateful for everything I have.
The year might have come to an end but my experiences will keep adding up as I walk the path of life. And by welcoming 2025, I’m ready to embrace the new adventures in store for me. After all, the year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on… with all the wisdom that experience has instilled in us.
Writer : Aarna Sharma
Grade : 8 (Year 2025)
Place : Sydney, Australia
