What a way to start off the brand new year. A great night with close friends, good times spent in good company. When I think about what’s to come in 2010, half of me wants to scream into a pillow, while the other half is so excited and jumping on the bed for all the things to come. I may have bit off more than I feel like I can chew at the moment, but I somehow always find a way. As Roy Ash, co founder of Litton Industries said:

“An entrepreneur tends to bite off a little more than he can chew hoping he’ll quickly learn how to chew it.”

Having settled into my last term of my undergraduate degree at the University of Waterloo, I am overcome with bittersweet feelings. Living in residence once again feels a little odd but at the same time a bit reminiscent. Thinking back to the past 5 years of university, I can’t explain how different each and every term has been. I walked into my first year living at REV, excited by everything that’s happening, staying up studying or partying in the late hours of the night, meeting so many new people, getting involved with different organizations, having fun, that’s what it was all about. Second year, moving off campus to live with friends seemed like such a big deal, dealing with more responsibilities, learning roommate etiquette (sometimes the hard way). Third year, was an unbelievable European fantasy come true spending 8 months abroad in Paris, France. Practicing one of the most beautiful languages in the world, traveling to new countries every weekend, sightseeing, hosting friends from back home, it was something I will never ever forget. Fourth year was a tough one. School was getting more demanding, friends were busy with own priorities, relationships. The job hunt was on. Took on a much larger role within Impact, promoting youth entrepreneurship. Introduced to social media and learning how to use it for professional development and job opportunities. Finding my niche and an area of expertise. Had my first speaking engagement with League of Kickass. First time as a radio guest on Career Buzz, talking about the importance of youth entrepreneurship. Experiencing death for the first time in my life, having to say goodbye to two very special people and learning how to cope with the loss. 2009 was all about learning how to grow up, really fast.

I wonder what 2010 will bring? As graduation is coming up ahead, can’t help but wonder where everyone will end up. What opportunities are out there that are waiting for me? I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. There is a reason why I am not a Samsung Mobile Explorer for the 2010 olympics. There must be bigger opportunities that are waiting for me to find them.

One thing that I was really surprised to discover this year during the 2009 holidays, was how much I was in need for quality time with family and friends. The two weeks of holidays never have felt so good, to just take a break from life and spend time with people that I care for and love the most. I had a very special birthday this year and want to thank everyone so much who was a part of it, from those who sent me a quick note via facebook, twitter, email, bday cards, to all the delightful surprises of a huge basket with all my favourite things, to an ice cream cake at my dinner, to the nutcracker ballet, to the vegan meal paired with a night out at the movies, to watching avatar with my family in Imax 3D who haven’t seen a movie since the Titanic.

If I could make a quick prediction of 2010, I think this will be by far one of my most challenging, but rewarding years. It will be the beginning of my dream career pursuit (or the making of my own career ), leading Impact Entrepreneurship Group to continue firing up the entrepreneurial spirit amongst youth in Canada, staying connected with all my friends from university as we move on to different jobs, cities, etc.

Let’s see a year from now! Bring it 2010, I’m ready for ya

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