This year, I officially stepped into adulthood as I began my four-year BCA program at Marian College. Introducing myself as a freelance web developer set the tone for my college journey. During the summer break after school, I secured my first internship with a monthly stipend of ₹12K. “The first paycheck felt like a dream—a tangible reward for all the effort and sacrifices I made.” This three-month program was a milestone, as I was the first in my class—and possibly the only first-year student—to achieve this. It was a proud moment that showcased the value of hard work and dedication.

Marian College offered me numerous opportunities to step into leadership roles. I was elected as the Joint Secretary of the Marian Association of Computer Students (MACS) and chosen as the class representative. These positions allowed me to make meaningful contributions, such as leading sessions on LinkedIn and GitHub for first-year students and sharing my internship experiences with second-year students to guide them in securing opportunities. “True leadership isn't about titles; it's about the impact you make on those around you.”

Technical growth was a key focus for me this year. I worked on diverse projects, including seven mini-projects for third-year BCA student groups, earning a mention in their project documentation. I tackled challenges like working with PHP for college projects, which tested my patience but proved rewarding, both in experience and financial gains. “Every error is a lesson in disguise; every frustration is a step closer to success.” In parallel, I developed an accessibility widget as a CDN-based solution for websites, exploring innovative ideas that could potentially generate income. Additionally, I continued building my flagship project, Caelium, and furthered its development with unique features and solid documentation practices.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of 2024 was mentoring a student through G-TEC, teaching them the basics of Python and web development. “Teaching isn't just about imparting knowledge; it's about igniting curiosity and inspiring growth.” Beyond that, I actively focused on expanding my network through LinkedIn and personal connections, striving to align myself with inspiring professionals and entrepreneurs.

This year, I achieved a remarkable typing speed of 118 WPM, started using Vim effectively, and tackled challenges on platforms like LeetCode to improve my problem-solving skills. My focus on productivity and skill-building helped me make steady progress. I also gained financial independence, earning ₹60K this year and bringing my total career earnings to ₹90K—significant milestones that motivated me to push further. “Financial independence is not just about earning money; it's about earning the freedom to chase bigger dreams.”

Looking back, 2024 was a year of exploration, hard work, and valuable lessons. It was tough at times, especially when working with unfamiliar technologies like PHP, but perseverance and motivation, particularly financial rewards, kept me moving forward. “Growth often happens outside our comfort zones, in the space where challenges meet determination.” The year also shaped me through influences from YouTube channels like Hallden and NetworkChuck, which inspired new ideas and techniques.

As I step into 2025, my goals are clear: establish a sustainable side income, refine my daily routine for peak productivity, and continue building projects that make an impact. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” This year has laid a strong foundation, and I'm excited to build upon it with bigger aspirations and unwavering determination.