My 2025 year in review

Source: Dev.to

Reflection

My calendar notification buzzed today—my dad’s birthday. He passed away in 2006, and I keep the reminder because, as I get older, dates tend to fade.

Now it’s 2026, and last year feels like it melted away. I don’t feel I achieved everything I wanted, and memories from just a few days ago are already foggy. I wrote this note in Bear (where I keep workshops, presentations, checklists, and ideas) as a personal acknowledgment of the major things I did in 2025. It isn’t for showing off; it’s a message to my future self:

“Hello! You did good and you’re still doing well—keep it up!”

2025 Accomplishments

• Started the “Train the Creative Trainer” course (QQI‑certified) with Creative Skillnet (Dec 2025)
• Accepted into the “Creative Learning” micro‑credential course with NCAD, beginning Jan 2026
• Lead, PyLadiesCon 2025 Code of Conduct team
• Co‑lead, EuroPython FinAid 2025 team
• Contributed to the EuroPython 2025 Code of Conduct team
• Contributed to the DjangoCon Europe 2025 Code of Conduct team
• Nominated for and accepted DSF membership
• Judge, Diversity in Tech Awards 2025
• Short‑listed and accepted for the Public Jobs ARC programme (later withdrawn)
• Personal story published in Kings and Queens of the Road (Museum of Childhood Ireland)
• Co‑organised the Irish Techie Quiz, raising over €2,500 for The Dublin Simon Community
• Ran community tables at ShipItCon 2025 and PyCon Ireland 2025 to promote Irish tech communities
• Hosted a zine workshop and created the Makers Memento zine at Dublin Maker 2025
• Committee member, Cantonese in Ireland – helped with the Dragonboat race in Carlow, a mini‑flowerboard workshop at Dublin Maker, and website revamp
• Continuing member of the PSF Grants Working Group
• Ongoing organiser for PyLadies Dublin, onboarding new volunteers
• Ran my first in‑house game jam with Story Toys
• Coordinated the Bloomsday festival event for Cantonese in Ireland
• Organized and facilitated the 4th Django Girls workshop at DjangoCon Europe

Looking Ahead to 2026

I aim to become a certified trainer and adopt a more creative mindset, which I hope will help me grow Coding Grace and continue supporting others. I also want to make my work sustainable so I can travel more without feeling guilty about charging for my services.

So, 2026—let’s do this! 💪