Dear 2025,
You didn’t really arrive with fireworks.You tiptoed in—quiet, unsure, almost modest. But oh my… you ended with a bang.
You gave me 365 days of growth—the good, the messy, the emotional kind.
Days filled with fun and laughter, days that came with tears, days where I felt deeply blessed… and days where I asked, “Why is this happening to me?” You were truly a mixed bag, and honestly, that’s what made you real.
French & Career Growth Professionally, you were kind to me. I grew—slowly, steadily, meaningfully. My identity as a French teacher strengthened, and French with Shruti became more than just a name. People began to recognize me, trust me, and associate me with the language I love. Completing my Master’s in French—two years of hard work, exams, learning, meeting authors—was a journey in itself.
The ones that never make headlines, but quietly stay with you. A dandiya workshop, watching an IPL match live, the energy of a Honey Singh concert, walking through Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi, and one of the most special moments of all, speaking at a radio station and being told I should pursue it professionally. It felt surreal. Sometimes, validation arrives precisely when you least expect it. Through JSG, the blood donation camp, recognition, and opportunities reminded me that service still matters—and always will.
JITO & Leadership
2025 also shaped me as a leader. As the Secretary and convener of Business Networking Vertical at JITO, I learned endlessly and met inspiring people—like Seema Puri, Dolly Jain, and Bhagyashree.
From multiple B2B meets in Jaipur to collaborations with Delhi and Mumbai chapters, I played active roles in various programs. Industrial visits to places like Yura Rugs and Pinjore, hosting a chat show at Tyohaar Sweets presenting the JLW team—it all came with major acknowledgment and an even bigger motivation: to give back and be better than my previous self.
AI, Learning & New Doors
This year, I also stepped into the world of AI—curious, slightly intimidated, but eager. Certifications in Generative AI and Google My Business followed, and soon after, I found myself conducting an AI session for over 600 college students. The cherry on top? Project offers already lined up for 2026.
Advocate Mode
Somewhere amidst all this, clearing the AIBE exam and getting officially registered with the Bar Council of India felt deeply satisfying. No drama, no spotlight—a simple addition to advocates in the family.
Certifications
This year, my most meaningful investment was in knowledge—and in myself.
Education remained my anchor. Completing a Phonics Training Certification reinforced a belief I hold deeply: learning isn’t a phase, it’s a lifelong practice. In hindsight, knowledge truly compounded this year—so much so that English phonics unexpectedly strengthened my understanding of French as well.
Education remained my anchor. Completing a Phonics Training Certification reinforced a belief I hold deeply: learning isn’t a phase, it’s a lifelong practice. In hindsight, knowledge truly compounded this year—so much so that English phonics unexpectedly strengthened my understanding of French as well.
Writing, Slowly but Surely
This year I wrote only one poem - “Kaash Main Ladka Hoti" and a travelogue on Malaysia. Writing has always been my love. I used to feel restless if I didn’t write for a long time, but somehow, this year didn’t allow much space for it.
Family, Love & Celebrations
2025 was rich in family moments—bridal showers, weddings, baby showers and celebrating the arrival of my cutest nephew. I am truly thankful to each member of both sides of my families for weaving dreams for me and always pushing me to do better with all the possible support.
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Travel Therapy
Staycations at Taj Devi Ratn and Ananta Ajabgarh, a trip to Mussoorie, Malaysia, spiritual journeys through Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ayodhya—witnessing the historic dupki after 244 years was surreal. And yes, the USA visa happened too.
Birthdays & Gratitude
On my birthday, I chose presence over pomp. Lunch with family, a movie with my daughter, and a candlelight dinner with my husband—simple, meaningful, perfect.
My daughter-Mishika’s birthday at Snow World deserves a special mention. Watching children experience snow for the first time—their expressions were priceless. And when my daughter thanked me and said she was happy, my heart knew it was all worth it.
Real Talk
Let’s be honest—I put on a lot of weight.
Gym fees were paid with full optimism… and then quietly vanished into a black hole.
Growth, at least in terms of decreasing weight, is still very much a work in progress.
Let’s be honest—I put on a lot of weight.
Gym fees were paid with full optimism… and then quietly vanished into a black hole.
Growth, at least in terms of decreasing weight, is still very much a work in progress.
As I step ahead, here’s my honest list:
• Control over my health, especially weight
• Build patience, particularly in parenting
• Finding joy in cooking (because apparently, husband’s heart lives in his stomach 
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)• Better time management
• Career growth—boosting my French, and creating multiple income streams
And now…
Dear 2026,
I welcome you with open arms with lessons learned, hope intact, and courage renewed.
Let’s learn more, grow deeper, and spread happiness together.
I’m ready.
Loads of Love & Gratitude,
Shruti Sethi
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