I was inspired by others to write a year long reflection on what happened in the past year.

Previously I had kept a physical journal, in which I would conjure entries pertaining to my reflections of my latest thoughts often on airplanes or trains throughout the world. While transiting, I find myself often in peace as I feel “productive” in going toward a “destination”, but forced to sit in a stationery chair without much movement. Part of my practice to write down my thoughts is to force myself (willingly or unwillingly) to meditate through these emotions in hopes of enjoying the present going forward. In order for us to keep thinking critically and independently from the algorithm, it’s important to take time to process and reflect. Typing my own thoughts enables me to take agency over the words I choose at a human-albeit slower pace. I believe the “human touch” is what is going to keep us differentiated in our increasingly digitalized shaped A.I. world.

Often, I find myself “speed-gaming” my life, this also includes the speed of which I try to experience visually and cognitively. This past year, I was challenged psychologically, physically, and emotionally. I continued my second year in Korea, and as an expat who is neither fluent linguistically or culturally in Korean, I stumbled my way through the professional obstacles that were in my path as a foreign worker. While it’s been an honor to be part of Seoul’s emerging globalization (as we see with Korean content and beauty spanning across the globe), I think most people are not aware of how “Korean” Seoul remains. Seoul historically isn’t a destination for foreign expat workers – most of the foreigners in Korea are english teachers, students, or U.S. military and that legacy remains today through its services (or lack thereof), workplace culture, and day-to-day encounters (including dating). While I no longer place a “moral judgment” on how Seoul and South Korea functions and norms, I do like to name the dynamics that govern my everyday existence being a guest here in this country.

• Stoicism as a sign of maturity and stability
• Deep rooted family ties in a small close-knit collectivist community
• Societal desire to equate displays of wealth and beauty as markers of success
• The nation’s constant negotiation with its assimilation capacity of new immigrant arrivals
• A geopolitical situation that underpins Korea’s desire to be tech sovereign and politically savvy with foreign relations
• Importance on privacy with colleagues & acquaintances as a prerequisite to remain socially fluid and free from judgment
• Pride in the nation’s historic development, sorrow in obstacles (politics, reproduction, economy, social mobility) that make the future less certain

My year, while insulated in Korea, also coincided with various noteworthy events happened this year:

• Trump began his 2nd non-consecutive term in office (Charlie Kirk, Immigration / ICE)
• A.I. Arms accelerates (LLMs, semiconductors, China vs U.S.)
• First American Pope from the Cardinal Convention
• Louvre Heist
• My second year living in Seoul, South Korea, with Yoon’s impeachment due to his enactment of martial law

For 2026, I plan to truly take it very carefully in terms of developing my vocation. One theme I try to avoid is following the herd. I don’t believe that many of the systems that helped carve our current understanding of success may last as our world is rapidly changing. I will spend this year focusing on a few different items:

• Developing my ikigai (my passion for life)
• Developing a deep relationship with tea
• Begin my meditation journey
• Enjoy the present as much as possible in terms of my platonic and emotional relationships

Some bright spots I am excited about this year:

• Learning and working in Mandarin
• Trying out a new city
• Reinventing myself as a sovereign but compassionate person
• Continuing my deep love for Chinese civilization
• Taking my hard-earned Korean experience in helping me navigate new social and professional settings
• Creating ownership in event planning, business, and global studies
• Continuing to develop delightful experience for me and my loved ones

2026 is the year of the Fire Horse – a time for movement and progression. I’m ready to move onto my next era of my life. I hope this website will allow me to develop a personal relationship with myself, via transparency and begin the journey to develop my own brand and voice on this vast internet universe.