2024: A Year of Planting Seeds Reflections on Resilience, Growth, and New Opportunities

A Year of Growth Beyond Expectations

As I reflect on 2024, I see a year marked not just by milestones but by a deeper transformation that I had not anticipated. At the beginning of the year, I was driven by a clear goal: to secure a Chevening or Erasmus scholarship. These opportunities felt like the perfect platform to advance my expertise in marine conservation and aquaculture while contributing to sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.

However, the rejection emails arrived, bringing with them moments of doubt and introspection. It was not easy to process the initial disappointment. Yet, as the year unfolded, I realized that rejection is not the end of a journey but rather a new beginning. This year became about planting seeds—nurturing ideas, connections, and skills that will undoubtedly grow into future opportunities.

The Lessons of Unplanned Growth

Rather than allowing setbacks to define my path, I embraced unexpected roles, projects, and experiences. These opportunities not only expanded my knowledge but also pushed me beyond my comfort zone, fostering personal and professional growth.

From engaging with local communities on marine conservation to contributing to high-level discussions on global environmental policies, every step this year has been a lesson in resilience and adaptability. Growth, I learned, does not always follow the path we plan; instead, it often flourishes in the spaces we least expect.

International Experiences: Insights and Impacts

Spain: Championing Gender Equality in Aquaculture

In Spain, I had the privilege of participating in a women in aquaculture training hosted by the FAO’s General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM). This experience was an eye-opener, emphasizing the critical role women play in the aquaculture sector.

The training provided hands-on knowledge of sustainable fish farming practices and strategies for overcoming challenges in the industry. More importantly, it reinforced my commitment to addressing gender imbalances in aquaculture, ensuring that women are not just participants but leaders in the sector.

Kenya: Shaping Global Climate Solutions

In Kenya, I participated in UNEA-6, where I joined Cluster B to focus on nature-based solutions, ocean policies, and the water crisis. This engagement allowed me to collaborate with global stakeholders on actionable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Nature-based solutions stood out as a transformative approach, blending traditional knowledge with modern science to restore ecosystems and combat climate change. In ocean policy discussions, I highlighted the importance of sustainable blue economy initiatives, advocating for coastal communities' integration into decision-making processes. Addressing the global water crisis required a focus on equitable access and sustainable management, ensuring that solutions are both innovative and inclusive.

These discussions, coupled with my involvement in the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice, deepened my understanding of Africa’s pivotal role in global climate solutions. These platforms reinforced my belief in the power of collective action and informed my advocacy for equitable, community-centered approaches to environmental challenges.

Tanzania: Advancing Sustainable Aquaculture

In Tanzania, I stepped into the role of a trainer, focusing on fish nutrition and water quality management in aquaculture. Working with fish farmers, I introduced sustainable practices aimed at improving productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

This experience was a reminder of the tangible impact that sustainable aquaculture can have—not just on the environment but also on the livelihoods of local communities. By promoting techniques that balance efficiency with ecological responsibility, I contributed to fostering resilience in both aquatic ecosystems and the people who depend on them.

The Power of Small, Quiet Moments

While the larger milestones of 2024 stand out, it is the quieter moments that have left the deepest impression.

- Teaching Children Ocean Literacy: Engaging with children and introducing them to the wonders of the ocean was both inspiring and humbling. Their curiosity and enthusiasm reminded me that education is one of the most powerful tools for creating long-term change.

- Planting Mangroves in Kenya: A mangrove tree planted in my name became a symbol of renewal and resilience. Mangroves, vital ecosystems that protect coastlines and absorb carbon, represent hope for a sustainable future.

- Collaborating with Coastal Communities: Witnessing the resilience of coastal communities as they navigate environmental challenges has been profoundly inspiring. Their dedication to conservation efforts underscores the importance of grassroots initiatives in driving global change.

These small but significant actions represent the seeds of change we all have the power to plant, and I am grateful for the role I’ve been able to play in these efforts.

A Shift in Perspective: From Goals to Purpose

This year, I have come to realize that success is not solely defined by the achievements we check off a list but by the mindset with which we approach life. When you are deeply passionate about your work, everything shifts. Passion ignites perseverance, and gratitude transforms every challenge into a lesson.

I’ve learned that instead of chasing opportunities, we must focus on staying aligned with our values and purpose. By doing so, we naturally create opportunities that resonate with who we are and the impact we wish to have on the world. This mindset has proven transformative, helping me to approach setbacks not as failures but as integral steps in my ongoing growth and contribution to the world.

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Learning and Sharing

As I look toward 2025, my goals remain steadfast. I will continue to pursue scholarships—not as a measure of my worth but because of my passion for learning and sharing knowledge. The causes I care about—whether it’s marine conservation, empowering communities, or advancing ocean literacy—will continue to guide me. I remain committed to contributing to the world’s positive transformation.

Should these opportunities not materialize as planned, I will embrace whatever path emerges, knowing that each step is an opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow. The journey is far from over, and I’m eager to continue expanding my impact in the coming year.

My advice for 2025: Build the Life of Your Dreams and Goals

As someone who has dedicated much of my life to the health of our oceans and the empowerment of communities, I’ve come to understand that building the life of your dreams is about aligning your passion with purpose. Whether you're passionate about marine conservation, climate justice, or community-driven sustainability, here’s my advice for 2025, drawn from my own journey:

1. Discover Your Passion and Take Action :

Find what drives you—whether it's protecting the environment, advancing your career, or contributing to your community. Once you’ve identified what excites you, take action. Start small if you need to, but stay committed. The key is to make progress every day, even if it’s just a small step toward your goal.

Take time to think about what truly matters to you. Whether it’s personal growth, career ambitions, or contributing to a cause, write down your goals and create a roadmap to achieve them.

2. Empower Others Along the Way :

True success comes when you lift others up. Share your knowledge, mentor those who are just starting, and empower your community to take action. The impact you have on others can amplify your own achievements. Encourage people to follow their passions and support each other in the pursuit of collective goals.

3. Champion Sustainability and the Environment :

The planet is in need of our care. As you pursue your dreams, consider how your actions can benefit the environment. Whether it’s reducing waste, supporting eco-friendly initiatives, or advocating for sustainable policies, your contribution can make a difference. Take time to understand how your actions impact the environment and use your platform to encourage positive change.

4. Network and Collaborate :

Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your vision for a better world. Networking isn’t just about advancing your career—it’s about creating a community of people who can support each other, share resources, and work together to create solutions. Collaboration leads to greater impact, and the connections you build will help you grow both personally and professionally.

No journey is ever truly solitary. Collaborate with like-minded individuals and seek opportunities to network. Together, we can achieve more—whether it’s protecting our oceans, fostering sustainable development, or creating meaningful change.

5. Commit to Lifelong Learning :

Growth is a continuous process. Keep learning and evolving in all areas of your life. Whether you’re developing new skills, reading more books, or gaining new experiences, every bit of knowledge you acquire adds to your ability to make a difference. Stay curious and open-minded, and never stop seeking ways to improve and contribute.

6. Be Resilient and Adaptable:

The path to success isn’t always smooth. There will be challenges, but resilience is key. When obstacles arise, embrace them as opportunities for growth. Adaptability and perseverance will help you navigate any situation, turning setbacks into stepping stones toward your ultimate goals.

7. Celebrate Diversity :

Embrace the unique perspectives and experiences of others. Diversity drives innovation and creativity, and it enriches the journey toward building a better world. Seek out different voices, understand different viewpoints, and incorporate a variety of ideas into your plans. The more inclusive you are, the more powerful your impact will be.

As 2025 unfolds, remember that every action you take, no matter how small, contributes to the greater good. Whether you're working on personal goals, environmental sustainability, or social change, stay focused on what truly matters to you and take consistent steps toward achieving your dreams. Build the life you want, and in doing so, help create the world you envision.

8. Prioritize Well-Being:

Remember that success begins with taking care of yourself. Prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional health by adopting habits that nourish your mind and body.

9. Learn and Grow:

Make learning a part of your daily routine. Invest in developing new skills, reading more, or attending workshops to expand your knowledge and open doors to new opportunities.

10. Nurture Relationships:

Surround yourself with supportive people who inspire and uplift you. Strengthen existing connections, and don’t be afraid to network and build new ones.

Quick tips

• Don’t wait for the perfect moment to begin; start where you are, with what you have
• True change comes from within communities
• The earth needs all of us to act
• The strength of any movement lies in the collective effort.
• Growth is continuous.
• There will be challenges along the way, but every setback is an opportunity to adapt and learn
• Just as the ocean thrives in diversity, so should our approach to building a better world.
• The diversity in your community, your network, and even your own experiences can help you build something greater than yourself.
• Remember that building the life of your dreams is not just about personal success—it’s about the collective good. Whether through advocating for ocean protection, supporting sustainable development, or sharing knowledge, each step you take creates ripples that lead to lasting change

Gratitude and Connections: A Thank You

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported and guided me through this year—your mentorship, encouragement, and collaboration have been instrumental. I’ve learned so much from the connections I’ve built, and I’m excited to continue strengthening these relationships as I move into 2025.

An Invitation to Connect

As I continue on this journey, I am eager to connect with others who share a passion for making a positive impact on the world. If you have advice, or opportunities, or would like to collaborate on environmental projects, I would love to hear from you. Together, let’s keep planting seeds of change for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Thank you for being a part of my 2024. Let’s continue this journey of growth together.

See you in 2025 ,Stay focused, stay inspired, and keep moving toward your goals. 🤍