2024 has been an incredibly tough year for me. Anyone who knows what I’ve been through in the past 365 days wouldn’t question that. Like I always do, I want to pause for a moment to reflect on this year and think about what’s ahead in 2025.
The Weight of 2024
January 31, 2025, will mark 15 years of living in the United States. Yet, despite everything, I still don’t have my green card. What makes it even harder is not knowing when—or if—it’ll ever happen. When I went to Canada to get my H1B visa stamp, I had to wait five long weeks for approval. That stamp is only valid for a year, which means I’ll probably go through the same ordeal next year. The constant stress of trying to secure permanent residency has weighed heavily on me, especially on my mental health. Still, I try to focus on the positives and appreciate what I do have—a full year where I can travel outside the U.S. After nearly five years, I finally got to visit my family in China. Those three weeks at home with my parents were everything I needed.
A Life-Altering Diagnosis
But just before I planned to head to Lisbon for my friend’s wedding in September, I found out I had two large masses in my chest. After a four-hour surgery in October, I was diagnosed with Thymoma—a rare form of cancer that affects only 0.15 people out of 100,000. It’s terminal. But the surgery was a success, and I’m starting radiation therapy in 2025.
This year has shown me a lot about people.
Some stayed quiet.
Some stepped closer.
Some ran away.
Some stood steady, right where I needed them.
To my amazing friends who showed me love, support, and care—sometimes without me even asking—you’re my angels. You were there for me when I couldn’t take care of myself. I’m beyond lucky to have you in my life.
To the strangers who helped in their own ways, thank you. You’ve shown me the kindness and light humanity can bring.
To the healthcare professionals who’ve been there for me with both skill and empathy, I’ll never forget the comfort you’ve given me in the hardest moments.
And to those who ran away or didn’t show empathy—yeah, I’ve been angry and frustrated, and honestly, I probably still am a little. But you’ve taught me that everyone has their limits. You’ve helped me figure out what I want and don’t want in the people I surround myself with—and in the person I want to be.
Looking Ahead to 2025
2024 was a turning point for me, pushing me to start building the life I truly want.
Cancer is part of my story now, and it probably will be for a while. But I’ve never doubted that I’ll beat it—because I know I WILL.
And there’s so much I’m looking forward to in 2025:
- Getting my health back to where it was before surgery
- Moving to a new apartment
- Training for and running the NYC Marathon
- Traveling with my best friend
- Spending more time with my parents
- Starting a new art project
- Painting more
- Finding my life partner (if I’m lucky—honestly, this one feels impossible right now)
...
And I know the list will keep growing.