good bye 2021
2021 was a meaningful year of navigating uncertainty, embracing change, and achieving goals. Some photos to capture my reflections in quarantine :)
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1. Amy Dong, you truly are one of a kind — how did I become best friends with someone so kind, empathic, passionate, hard-working, emotionally intelligent, silly, and adventurous as you. You kept me grounded during uncertainty and I’m so grateful to always have you by my side, even when I bring chaos to KZ/Saswata’s lives lol
2. Somehow life with you, even the most mundane activity, feels like a constant adventure, I love you :’)
3. Many adventures with friends in 2021 :) LA in April was pivotal because Jag/Chiara/Naina reminded me to live life in the present because I am the ~main character~ in my movie
4. F45 and weightlifting unexpectedly became an integral part of my life. At first, fitness was what kept me sane until it also became a lifestyle, a community, and pure serotonin.
5. Living at home meant understanding my parents as people and transforming my sister into my bestie heh who would’ve thought!!
6. a rebranded bon voyage party that symbolizes a perfect Seattle summer
7. Caught sunset in Jacó, Costa Rica — a trip that reminded me of how simple life can be through raw conversations with locals
8. post-grad forces you to reflect on friendships - and v thankful for the people in my life, such as Vincy and how she brings chaos and laughter wherever she goes :) thanks for making this year so memorable
9. On weekdays, I woke up at 5 am for clinic, but the days felt short because I loved working with Dr. Jansen, a 71 year old doctor who became my mentor, second dad, and friend. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. And a med school acceptance wouldn’t have been possible without his love and support :’)
10. My view from my quarantine hotel in Taipei. It’s still surreal that I’m going to start a life here — living in an apartment with locals, teaching at a junior high, taking Mandarin classes, immersing myself in Taiwanese culture with so much to learn. When one door closes, another door opens - I can’t wait for the new friends, experiences, perspectives, GROWTH I’ll gain in 7 months.