As we enter 2026, it is remarkable to think about how much I have changed since this time last year. The saying “you really find yourself in college” has felt especially true to me. At 19, it sometimes feels like I am figuring everything out at once, from school and work to friendships and thinking about my future. There have been moments of clarity and moments of stress, but looking back, I can see how all of it has shaped me. This past year has reminded me that growth usually happens in small steps and everyday choices, not just in big milestones.
Put your energy into the now, and the future will figure itself out.
At 19 and in college, I often catch myself stuck on these two phrases way too often:
- “One day I need…”
- “What if _ doesn’t happen one day?”
The majority of the stress I put myself through comes from letting my thoughts wander too far into the future. While goals give me something to work toward, I’m learning that at this stage, building a solid foundation matters more. The future is still out of my control, and that’s okay. Trusting the process has made things feel a lot less overwhelming.
When you treat your body well, the rest of your life just works better.
While I grew up playing a lot of sports, my parents always made sure our meals included protein, carbs, vegetables, and fruit. It’s a habit that stuck with me, but this year it’s really taken off. I’ve also been more intentional about sleep. I enjoy going to bed early, and I’ve realized that even when studying, it’s far more beneficial to rest well and wake up early than to stay in the library until 2 a.m. As for working out, I’ve ditched the phrase “I don’t have time” and replaced it with “I’ll make time.” Whether that means waking up an hour earlier or going for a quick jog, moving my body leaves me feeling energized and ready for the day.
When it comes to food, I’ve found it important to have three full, nutritious meals throughout the day. But even with a healthy focus, I still like to enjoy life. If my friends want to grab fast food one night, I’m there. If I’m too tired to hit the gym, I skip. If I stay up late to watch a movie, that’s okay too. The thing I’ve learned to value most is habits. Making healthy, intentional choices consistently matters far more than following every trend or being perfect.
Finding passion in what you do makes all the difference
Specifically, with Ideba, I’ve found that really understanding the company I’m working with makes everything easier. Doing thorough background research and learning about the company in depth has made a huge difference for me. It’s what makes me genuinely passionate about a project and helps me produce better quality work. I’ve realized I enjoy seeing the full picture, understanding why customers feel a certain way, and what that means for the company. That extra context is something I’ve come to truly value.
Looking back on 2025, I’ve realized that growth happens when you actually show up, take care of yourself, and pay attention to what you’re doing. This year has been full of small lessons and everyday wins that really added up. I’m excited to carry that into 2026 and see what I can learn next.
Mackenzie Harmer – Research Intern
