2025 Vision Board: Embracing Growth and Possibilty

Introduction

Hi friends, I hope you’ve all had a great start to the new year. This time of year feels special because many see it as a clean slate. And if that mindset helps you create change, then that’s great! But here’s a little tip: change doesn’t have to start on January 1st, and it’s okay if your New Year’s resolutions shift three months down the line. Life is about trial and error, and the pressure of finding jobs, managing living expenses, and navigating everyday life can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, the first step to growing isn’t setting huge goals, it’s taking a moment to reflect on what brought you joy and growth in the past year and figuring out how to carry that into your everyday life in 2025. When we put too much pressure on significant, end-goal achievements, we can miss the minor, meaningful steps leading to growth. One thing I’ve learned while working for The Walt Disney Company is how much I value hearing the journeys of my fellow cast members. Some started with undergraduate degrees, others joined straight out of high school, and many have worked in senior leadership roles. If there’s one thing I’ve taken from 2024, it’s this: attitude matters. When I shifted my attitude, I stopped seeing myself as “just a second-year university student.” I began to see my potential and connect with people who hold the kinds of roles I aspire to have someday. My conversations with these leaders have taught me something invaluable: never lose sight of the power of attitude. It fuels resilience in the face of rejection, and reframes rejection as redirection. As I step into 2025, I’m excited to carry these lessons and continue to grow.

Honing Passions and Skills

I firmly believe in finding your passions and focusing on yourself until you do. That doesn’t mean you must stick to just one passion, though. For my fellow readers in their twenties, this is our time to explore. There’s a big world and so much time ahead to determine where we want to land. I recently stepped out of my comfort zone by attending an audition workshop for Disney Live Entertainment. Some supportive peers had always envisioned me in entertainment, so I tried it, even though I couldn’t dance and had no experience. I went in vulnerable but confident in my attitude. What I love about Disney is their emphasis on hiring people for their trainability and attitude, not just their skills. To my surprise, after the workshop, my number was called alongside a handful of others for accurate headshots and measurements to receive a callback. That moment made my head spin, in a good way, as I started considering the possibility of working in entertainment. As I move into 2025, I’m embracing open-mindedness and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. I’ve learned that I never know what I might miss out on if I don’t take the chance. For instance, I’ve always had a passion for writing. I was the quiet kid in school, but my teachers noticed my talent and often asked me to read my imaginative stories aloud to the class. After a challenging first year of university in life sciences and participating in my first Disney International Program, I again found my love for writing. I finally reached a point where I was happy and doing things for myself. When I moved back to the city, I cherished my time alone, reflecting and writing. Sharing my stories has connected me with many amazing people, and I want to continue doing so. Disney has taught me the value of storytelling, and this year, I plan to embrace that even more. For a long time, I felt shut down for having a loud personality, and even now, people sometimes try to dim my light. But my people skills will connect me with the right people. I told my mom, “I tailor my brand to the people I want to notice, and it’s okay if others don’t like my vision.” Those aren’t the people I need to work with to get where I want to be. As I step into 2025, I’m ready to continue embracing every opportunity, honing my passions, and staying true to my vision, because this year, it’s all about growth, storytelling, and believing in the possibilities ahead.

Seeing Potential in Yourself

Regarding my career goals, I know I won’t become a CEO overnight. But I can do my best where I am today, help others as much as I can, and continue to grow by learning from those around me. The first step to starting your vision board is seeing the potential in yourself. Without that, there’s no point in beginning your journey, because you can’t aim for something if you don’t even know what you truly want. I was always the student who stood on the sidelines, often described by teachers as a “silent leader.” I’ve always loved helping others. I even attended a service trip as the only middle schooler among high school students because I wanted to make a difference. However, I don’t know precisely when the flip switched, when I stopped seeing myself solely as a helper and started seeing my potential as a leader. Growing up in a community where success often seemed handed to people, I thought I couldn’t achieve things on my own. That changed when I moved to a big city and had to fend for myself. I learned the importance of networking and began to see that people valued what I had to say. This realization grew during my time with Disney, where I finally found my place among people who shared my values and encouraged me to be my authentic self. Before that, I tried to fit into spaces where I didn’t belong, becoming someone I wasn’t. Once I found my community and felt supported, I started to see my capabilities and practiced expressing them more confidently. Success and confidence don’t come overnight, it’s about showing up, staying consistent, and sometimes “faking it until you make it.” Now, I leave the house every day as if it’s an interview, working on building my brand and selling my vision. As I transition into 2025, I no longer see myself as bound by limitations. Although I may not have envisioned myself as a CEO before, I now believe in the power of growth, adaptability, and a positive attitude.

The Role of Others in Your Journey

Once you can figure out what you want from life, the next step is understanding that you can’t get there on your own. Success requires a network of people who value, respect, and support your goals. I’ve always been attracted to energy, and when I feel a genuine connection with someone, I know how important it is to nurture that relationship. I was also raised with the mindset of never burning bridges. Whether meeting someone for the first time or catching up with a mentor, I treat every interaction as an opportunity to learn and grow. One thing I’ve embraced is that not everyone will agree with you or align with your vision, and that’s okay. If you get a “no” for an answer, it might simply mean you’re talking to the wrong person. Life is all about finding those who see your potential and want to walk alongside you on your journey. Through my travels and experiences, I’ve been amazed at how even casual interactions can turn into valuable connections. For instance, I’ve gained a few LinkedIn contacts by striking up conversations in unexpected places, like coffee shops or airports. Life is truly what you make of it. Once I started viewing my life as my business and my mindset shifted to thinking of myself as a brand, everything began to align. I’ve realized that being a CEO isn’t just about a title, it’s about creating opportunities for others, continuously learning, and staying open to growth. I’ve sometimes struggled to decide whether to leave for new opportunities or stay where I am to deepen my network. Both choices have their pros and cons, but I’ve learned the value of nurturing relationships wherever I am. Each person who enters your life has the potential to teach you something valuable, even if your paths only cross briefly. Whether it’s a mentor sharing their wisdom or a friend challenging your perspective, these moments shape who you are and how you approach your goals. Moving into 2025, I’m carrying these lessons with me. I’m committed to building meaningful connections, staying open to new possibilities, and creating a future where my leadership vision comes to life. My journey is a testament to the fact that success isn’t a solo journey, it’s a collective effort fueled by collaboration and growth.

Embracing Uncertainty

When I was younger, my mom went to a psychic who told her I was an “indigo baby.” I’m not entirely sure what that means, but apparently, I have some kind of powers. She also mentioned that I’d be in school for a long time. It felt like a prophecy locking me into a never-ending academic journey at the time, but now I see it differently. It’s not a limitation, it’s part of my growth story. Education has always been a core value in my family. Nearly all my family members have been involved in education, and that environment instilled in me a deep respect for learning. However, my family also emphasized the importance of experiences outside the classroom, mainly through travel. One thing my parents, despite their differences, have always supported is my sense of independence. For example, they encouraged me to embark on a solo backpacking trip to Spain because they understood the invaluable lessons travel provides, having done the same at my age. When I received my offer to work at Disney for a year, there wasn’t much debate about school, it felt like the next step in my journey. I accepted the offer immediately, confident that this was where I needed to be. Luckily, I’ve been surrounded by educators and mentors who remind me that school will always be there, and I’m grateful to have the ambition to make the most of opportunities as they come. Even though I’m not currently in a traditional classroom, I’m far from losing my ambition. At Disney, I’m taking full advantage of classes and growth opportunities offered through my role while also planning my next steps for my career and education when I return to the city. Yes, I still get occasional looks or questions from those who don’t understand why I’ve chosen a non-linear path, but I’ve learned to block out the noise. I know what I want in life, and I trust that I’m on the track I’m meant to be on. Ultimately, life isn’t about following someone else’s map but creating your own path. Education, travel, and work have all become key parts of my journey, and I embrace the uncertainty because it means I’m growing. The linear route isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. What matters is staying true to yourself and moving forward confidently, no matter where the road takes you.

Conclusion

As I step into 2025, my vision board is a reflection of everything I’ve learned and everything I aspire to become. It’s a mix of personal and professional goals, a reminder to embrace growth, and a testament to resilience and adaptability. At the center of my vision board is storytelling, whether through writing, connecting with people, or building my brand. I want to continue honing my passions, exploring new opportunities, and staying open to the unexpected. My journey isn’t about following a particular path but creating my own and celebrating the milestones. This year, I aim to nurture meaningful relationships, embrace every chance to learn, and remember that growth often comes from unexpected places. 2025 is my year to lean into change, stay true to my values, and continue believing in the possibilities. Here’s to a year of embracing uncertainty, celebrating progress, and making every step count!