2020 would probably be the year which most would agree to be the worst year they experienced so far, businesses shut down, employees laid off and loved ones being taken away. On the other hand, some manage to thrive through this trying times and came out stronger. At this moment, I want to count my blessings on how 2020 has treated me well.

Early this year, the globe basically went into a lockdown and I like many, were forced to stay at home. Being a senior year student, studying at home wasn’t the best experience, however I consider myself lucky to be at home with my family and it was at this moment that I found back that communionship that was almost faded, especially with my brothers who I haven’t had much time to mix around with as much during my 4 years away in university. Today, our relationship has never been better!

elsonee.com is up! This site was something I dreamt up during my free time within the lockdown period, so I started dabbling with programming and web development class to further explore any possibilities. I know it isn’t much to start off, but everything requires that small step forward. I do not have any idea where this site will go, but I’m excited to see how it goes.

I got a job! I was suppose to be in the States right now for a Work & Travel USA program if not for the pandemic. I’ve also started planning out places I want to explore and things I want to do early this year. As the pandemic was declared, I lost my shot to go for these experience. I wasn’t upset as I knew it wasn’t within my control, but I remember vividly my mom saying to me, “I’m thankful that you at least have a job waiting for you after you graduate, at least I do not have to worry”. Looking at how relieve my mom was, I told myself, US can still wait. I’ll set foot there one day, with my own ability, I promise. My current employer has been a very generous company in ensuring that I’m able to work comfortably and enjoying this transition period from a student to a working adult.

I started getting a taste of how it feels like to make money while sleeping. Before sharing more, let me clarify that I’m just starting out and am no financial guru to begin with. Back in March, I took the leap of faith to try investing and getting involved in the stocks market. It’s daunting enough to start, even more continuing to add onto it. After 9 months, I’m thankful to be able to at least gain a small profit to call it a win, it’s no astronomical number by any means, but everything has to start small, and aim BIG.

I got to know me and myself better. One day during my team sync meeting, my coworker requested for a half day leave as he had to bring his daughter to the doctor. I was surprised, we only get 14 days of entitled leave and he is using a half day leave to attend to his responsibilities as a dad, there’s nothing wrong but deep down I felt bad that he has to trade his entitled leave for his family and I came to realized that I do not want such a trade when I have my own family one day. I wish to have the flexibility to pause work to attend to critical issue and continue when I’ve solved the issue at hand. I acknowledge that this might not be attainable within my current work environment, but who says about working for someone for the rest of my life? I know this may not be fathomable by some, but I have always been grateful to my dad for being a present father, and I wish to be able to do the same for my child. And it fall backs down to one reason, his flexible working schedule, and this is what I will aim for.

Like others, I’d want 2020 to end soon, not due to 2020 was bad, but because I’m thrilled for what 2021 has for me to explore!