Rachel Mercer

I realize that I haven't written in several weeks. I will partly blame the metric ton of work that comes partnered with the end of any semester, with a dash of the furor of any homecoming, and some on the general burnout that I've been experiencing due to the perfect storm that comes when all of them are combined. But, Christmas is finished and tonight we are all going to be ringing in the New Year. In light of that, I've jumped on the bandwagon to write about looking back at 2009. (I will be writing about Resolutions, but you won't see those until 2010 is actually here!)

I think that it all started off well. Despite the economy being in the shitter, I was able to find the best paying co-op around, and was happily working at a familiar place with friendly faces. 2009 was a year for me filled with things that were new and exciting. I'd finally made some friends outside of Northeastern, some that shared some of the same passions, ideals (and work habits) that I had, people that I know to be dependable, good, reliable and true friends for whom I am very thankful for. I explored new ventures, wetting my toes with the conference experience, first by organizing ROFLthing and then suddenly playing the addict -- attending NYCC, SXSW and the 99% Conference in one fell swoop. Summer was a blast, with a family trip to Switzerland and scoring the internship of my dreams, I was content to be working. I'd decided to graduate early and even pursue graduate work, and returned to the cyclical environment of school. But overall, I would say it's a good year.

Reflecting on last year's resolutions, I'd say that I tackled most of the list. For the reading goal I've read 21 books this year, which averages to about one every 2 weeks. Obviously I'm no guru, but I'm pretty happy with all of the information that I've consumed -- not to mention the increased information input due to RSS. I think that my blog, to date, especially when combined with my writing for the Huntington News and InputOutcast has allowed me to adequately expand my writing. In taking time off, I could still use some work -- it's an interesting thing to try and juggle while I'm home. I also believe that I tried my best,  in all of my endeavors, I do not look back on any of my work with regrets.  

Similarly, most of the goals (except starting a webcomic) were also achieved. The website maintained a strong design and I worked to update and reformulate my personal brand, this resulted in brand spankin' new business cards which have been such a success. I've finally learned to become more comfortable talking to people, especially those that I don't know, because of events like the Awesome Foundation parties and Information Superhighway -- they have proved to be both learning experiences and great opportunities to make new friends. The Would Buy Again endeavor was certainly an experience, but one that I feel that I grew and learned from greatly (first lesson: have a business plan, second lesson: test the UX). Lastly, I scored that sweet ad gig that I'd been dreaming of, and I finally have my foot in the door -- some of my work was even exclusively purchased! 

Overall, 2009 was great. I experienced a lot of growth, not in regard to my career, but also in my design and my personal experiences. I started dating someone who has been a constant joy in my life, in whose work ethic is a constant inspiration, and whose laugh always makes me smile. I moved in with my sister, and got to learn all over again what fun it is to have her around. For the first time I think I tried to really assert myself as an independent being, freed of the belief that my education, my background, or my family could ever hinder my growth. Though it's been hard, I think it's been most rewarding. 

Thank you all for an amazing year, I'm looking forward to the next one.