Lofty Goals for 2025

Challenges characterized the year 2024. It taught me that life is what we make it to be, with each of its health, familial, and other challenges that competed for my attention.

Looking at challenges as obstacles that daunt, however, makes them difficult to navigate. They become like mandatory Mount Everest to climb, and the thought is off-putting.

Instead, we look at challenges as milestones to be achieved - and projects that make us feel fulfilled pursuing.

Commitment to Teaching and Writing

After much difficult introspection, I realize that teaching and writing are part of my purpose in life- though they come with daunting challenges. No matter what these are, I return to these elements.

Teaching in 2025 will present special challenges because my students will sit for the GCE O Level Examinations - which implies high expectations. And my aim, of course, is to help them succeed as best they can.

Writing, too, will present a unique set of challenges. Thinking creatively. Connecting with readers. And the most difficult one that I find most daunting? Being patient enough to hone the craft and wait for it to bear fruit.

Teaching Projects

Debates

An expository essay doesn't have to be dry. Interactive debates will help students understand the depth of elaboration they need to ensure that a topic is well-addressed. It will teach the structure of an argument - for and against - and, of course, introduce engagement.

We just had one on whether work is the path to happiness - turns out that young people have rather avant-garde ideas on the topic (try content creation and being entrepreneurial).

New Articles

News articles are another must-have teaching tool. Students these days face the challenge of reading enough, regardless of their environment. Connecting them with the goings-on in this world will expand their general knowledge and fuel discussions that may have connections with examination topics.

While topics like war and climate change are rather dense, they will raise awareness among irreverent teens.

Virtual Texts

One other teaching tool I must use this year is the Virtual Text Connecting students with image-based texts will allow them to connect better with context - how language applies in different situations. It will also be a way to introduce new vocabulary.

Virtual texts on different topics, such as youth needs and environmental protection, will help students who learn best using pictures.

Narrative Text

Some students struggle with comprehension skills, especially with texts that are more grounded in figurative language. Meaningful stories will promote their vocabulary, improve their comprehension skills, and teach a few life lessons.

Summary Skills

Writing concisely is a challenge. I recall a student who wrote a five-page essay for me - with a single period at the end.

My plan is to get my students to rephrase sentences - with each sentence having only one idea.

Writing Projects

1. Connecting with readers on Vocal

All readers and writers deserve a shout-out for writing insightful stories and comments. My goal is to respond to everyone who takes the time to read what I write - my sincerest gratitude and appreciation for making my days with your thoughtful words, whether it is a poignant story that evokes emotions or a comment that does the same.

2. Writing for different communities

I write in primarily two communities - Poets and Fiction. Vocal has communities to explore - and the goal this year is to do exactly that and contribute an article to each one.

I love pets - and have a wealth of pet advice and stories to share! Pet Life would be a wonderful place to start.

3. Fusing different genres

Who says that fantasy and crime cannot connect? There are more conventional fiction blends, such as horror and crime. Why not explore unconventional ways to write micro fiction or flash fiction blends?

4. Writing a Book on Pet Care

I am currently attending a course on Pet Psychology - so the animal psyche is a pet topic, for want of a better phrase.

Caring for my third dog, Snowball, prompted this. She has some difficulty controlling her impulses and thinks of herself as the guardian of the gated community where I live. So teaching her the ‘no speak' command is imperative - and she is still learning!

5. Promotion

There is little sense in writing something unless someone reads it - so I will reach out to readers via as many new social media platforms as I can.

I am experimenting with the idea of a Poetry Channel on YouTube - while not conventional it is a way to share poetry with the world.

5. Patreon

I am nervous about this project- opening a Patreon store where I can share my work. Being a teacher, I gravitate to YA fiction - horror stories and romance for teens.

I will have a lot for adults too- psychological thrillers, horror, crime and inspiration. The path is an arduous challenge, but fulfilling if seen through.

Health

1. Weight Management

Hormonal imbalance can make weight management a tightrope. I intend to vary my diet and infuse my workouts with everyday tasks.

I already jog with my dogs - doing so while mopping the floor will be a natural progression!

2. Pituitary Tumour Management

I stopped attending MRI sessions because I developed some claustrophobia after the clinic I visit started using a smaller one. However, I intend to return to this because of a need to check for any signs of my tumours recurring.

3. Dietary Choices

Hormonal imbalance has made eating difficult. So I intend to vary my diet to go beyond salads while keeping my weight at a reasonable level. This will take some effort, but will pay off if I can enjoy food and maintain my weight.

Relationships

Connecting more with friends and family

Working from home is fulfilling but can be isolating.An important goal for 2025 is to strengthen relationships with friends whom I haven't connected with in a while because my dietary needs can make having meals out with them a bit of a task.

Family empathy

Well-meaning family members sometimes find my dietary choices and somewhat introverted lifestyle a little puzzling. I intend to show them how fulfilling it is for myself - and that it can provide balance, both physically and emotionally.

2025 is shaping up to be a year of meaningful goals -this challenge has brought up a few meaningful ones.