Personal Review of 2014

¿What difference does a year make? This is a question that does not, in fact, have a straightforward answer. First, this question has a contextual dimension, that is, what role does this year play in the context of my own life up to this moment.

That said, in defining this year, the word ‘crossroads’ springs to mind. Even if it has yet to end, I would place as a critical moment in my life, a transitional state. In one hand it is full of open roads and opportunities, and at the same time, doors close and processes end.

In a way I’ve grown used to the guidance both my family and my house of studies have provided. As such, the degrees of freedom I’m presented with now that I’m ending my undergraduate come with mixed sentiments of excitement and intimidation.

Just as important as the broad context, are the events. Starting in a positive light, the experience of my sister in becoming a mother has been an event that has brought my family closer than ever, as we’ve all participated in the upbringing of my niece. In the matter of academic life, my involvement in fieldwork (mainly in the north of Chile) has been an enlightening experience, giving me both perspective and appreciation of the world in terms of cultural diversity.

Now from the point of not-so-good experiences, there are some that I’d prefer to keep private in term of details, only saying that they have to do with the passing of time, and the growing distancing between me and many of my close friendships. In this last case, I could have reestablished contact, realizing too late that the opportunity was no longer there.

Lastly, in describing the year in terms of prospects, I’d say it appears quite good. First, my older sister is coming back from a very long absence (she lived abroad for years), this time to stay indefinitely. Secondly, I’ve been offered some very interesting lines of academic work, and the opportunity to travel and be immersed projects concerning archaeologic studies from central and northern Chile.

All in all, I could say that this has been a hectic year that has yet to end. Who knows what the near future has in store for me. After all, it’s only October, and as the weather is beginning to change, I too may change as well.