2024 blog
Looking back, 2024 was a whirlwind of a year. I just finished my senior year, and it’s crazy to think about how far I’ve come. It felt like everything was moving so fast, but I’m proud of what I accomplished. My vitiligo journey, which has been such a big part of my life, reached a new point this year. After years of light therapy, the improvements were clear, but the real progress wasn’t just physical—it was mental. I finally embraced my condition in a way that I hadn’t before, and it stopped feeling like something that held me back. Instead, it became a source of strength and the foundation of my advocacy work.
The website I started for vitiligo awareness grew way beyond what I initially thought it would be. In 2024, I connected with other advocates, collaborated with organizations, and even spoke at a few events about living with vitiligo. That was a surreal experience—getting to share my story and hear from others who had been through similar journeys. The community that formed around the site made me realize how powerful it can be to bring people together who are experiencing the same struggles. The project has become something that I plan to keep going, even beyond high school, because it’s more than just a personal story now—it’s about helping others feel seen and supported.
HOSA was another huge highlight of the year. I stepped up as a leader in the club, and we had an amazing season, qualifying for states and even competing at the international level again. This time around, I felt more confident and prepared, and the experience just reinforced how much I want to pursue a career in healthcare. My involvement with HOSA, combined with my advocacy work, helped me realize that I want to make a difference not just through medicine, but by supporting people who feel isolated because of visible differences like vitiligo.
Now that 2024 is behind me, I’m focused on what comes next. College applications were a big part of this year, and I feel like I’ve finally found a clear direction for the future. Everything I’ve worked on—my personal growth, HOSA, the website—has shaped who I am and what I want to do. It’s exciting to think about what’s ahead, but I’m also proud of how far I’ve come this year. 2024 was full of growth, challenges, and new experiences, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.
