Dear 2019,

Oh gosh. What an incredible and unpredictable year you were.

Moving to another country to start postgraduate studies was not an easy feat. Perhaps the only advantages are that I’ll be staying with some family members and that what I will study is something that I loved. And hopefully (no jinx please!), it will continue to do so for the next year.

I am incredibly grateful for you, 2019, for all the opportunities and challenges you’ve given me. From looking for jobs while struggling to adjust in a new environment, to enjoying my classes, to meeting new friends-turned-family, and to participating in a volunteering experience (which I thoroughly enjoyed!). From letting me enjoy a memorable trip to a different country to seeing the said country in a new light. From establishing new friendships in DB to cherishing these connections through chats outside of DB. More importantly, thank you for letting me believe in the goodness of humanity again. Thank you for letting me freely express kindness to strangers, without me being afraid that they might take advantage of me. Thank you for teaching me the value of a smile and a greeting – these things I did not usually practice in my old town.

Thank you for having several groups of friends – whether it be at school, or at work, or even in this lovely online community. When things go badly at home or in life, these groups became my refuge. Thank you for providing me that safe shelter.

Thank you for letting me face my own demons – whether it be depression or anxiety, or being burned out- and for giving me the courage to ask for help.

Thank you for letting me move on from my old flame. The note of my love story that I kept for 6 years, I finally had the courage to rip it to pieces and throw it away. Thank you for letting me meet different kinds of people as it helps me figure out what I want for my future romantic relationships.

Thank you for the incredible support of my family, for my loving niece and nephew. Thank you for their love and patience despite all the craziness that I bring to the family.

Thank you for this amazing wonderful site of Dramabeans. I haven’t watched any dramas this year because of graduate school and working. But this site allowed me to enjoy K-dramas by reading the recaps instead of consuming hours watching it.

Lastly, thank you for letting me believe in myself again. For years, I have doubted myself thousands of times. But this year, I am slowly getting some confidence back. Thank you for giving me the freedom to be me, to make my own decisions, to trust in my capabilities, and to believe that I will endure and I will rise again. Thank you so much.

I am looking forward to more happiness, more kindness, more love, more friendships, and more adventures this coming year.

With a heart full of love and gratitude,Hya