Okay, so this year? It’s been wild. Like, seriously wild. I’m talking about the kind of year where everything you’ve been grinding for suddenly comes together, but also throws you some major curveballs. Buckle up, ’cause I’m about to spill the tea on my journey of persistence.

From Zero to UX Hero (Well, Almost)

So, picture this: I just finished my Bachelor’s in User Experience Design. Yep, you heard that right, I can now officially call myself an educated UXer. Cue the confetti! 🎉 But let’s be real for a sec, getting here was no walk in the park.

Rewind four years, and there I was, an 18-year-old with big dreams and zero clue how to make them happen. The checklist was intense:

• Learn English (like, actually speak it without sounding like a hot mess)

• Crush that TOEFL exam

• Prove I had designer vibes to get into design uni

• Score an apartment (in this economy? LOL)

• Figure out how to adult (still working on this one, tbh)

• Learn to be a professional and brand myself like I’m the next big thing

Fast forward to this summer, and there I was at Speaker’s Corner, diploma in hand, feeling like I just won the Olympics of adulting. Three years of blood, sweat, and too many bubble teas had paid off.

But here’s the kicker — now that uni life is in the rearview mirror, I’m staring into this void of “what the heck do I do now?” I’ve got some plans, sure, but life’s about to throw me more plot twists than a Netflix series.

Grinding Through the Job Hunt Hunger Games

Remember when people said finding a job would be easy with a degree? Yeah, about that…

My mentor dropped this truth bomb on me some time ago: “When you can handle it at your worst, you will always handle it, and nothing will stop you.” Turns out, he was onto something. I spent three whole months fighting for a coaching gig at university, battling budget cuts like they were the final boss in a video game. But guess what? I won. Snagged my first job fresh out of uni in one of the worst years to be a junior job-seeker. Take that, economy!

When Life Gives You Lemons, Go on a Pilgrimage?

Alright, let’s talk about my wild ride on the Camino de Santiago. This wasn’t just any old vacation — we’re talking about a legit pilgrimage that millions have walked before me, following in St. Jacob’s footsteps. My mom used to go on about it from her books, but I never thought I’d be out there living it. I didn’t have any major life crises to solve or traumas to heal, but boy, did this trip teach us a thing or two.

My Camino adventure was like a highlight reel of Murphy’s Law:

• I got sick before even taking off (great start, right?)

• Somehow made it to Spain (small victories, people!)

• Hiked 30km in one day and I nearly passed out (not my proudest moment)

• Plot twist: It was COVID-19 all along

• Bonus round: Got to see a Spanish hospital from the inside!

But here’s the wild part — despite all that drama, it turned out to be one of the most beautiful and profound experiences of my life. But you know what? I still won. I survived and came out stronger. Those moments of almost getting heatstroke, running out of water, but still pushing through? That’s where you see what you’re really made of.

The Takeaway (Besides My Diploma)

So, what’s the moral of this chaotic story?

Persistence is key, but it’s not about grinding yourself to dust. It’s about showing up every day, putting in effort in a healthy way, and not forgetting to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Those dark moments? They’re not just obstacles; they’re opportunities to discover your true self.

My coach once said, “Wisdom comes from suffering,” and as much as that sounds like something from a fortune cookie, it’s legit. You gotta live through the worst to truly appreciate the best.

So here I am, ready for whatever obstacles life’s got in store next. The Camino taught me that it’s not about having it all figured out or being at the “best part of your life.” It’s about embracing the journey, imperfections and all. Bring it on, world — this persistent, slightly wiser, and definitely humbled fresh-baked designer is ready for ya!

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