I know I’m not the only one who feels like 2019 went by in a SECOND, but here we are — it’s once again New Year’s Eve. This time we’re not only celebrating the end of a year, but also the end of a decade.

As we count down the final hours to the new year, we often look back and reflect on the opportunities we received, chances we took and any regrets still lingering with us. Personally, 2019 was an incredibly wild ride — so much happened that it took me some time to sort through my camera roll and notes to remember everything that happened (and I’m sure I still missed some key moments!). Overall, it was a really positive year filled with so much learning and growth, and I hope to continue that in 2020.

Now, what’s next? I don’t necessarily believe in making New Year’s Resolutions, but here are five of my 2019 lessons as we head into 2020 and the decade ahead.

1. Learning doesn’t stop after school. In fact, it gets better.

I graduated university this past spring, marking the end of my formal education journey. I quickly started getting the typical questions like “Do you miss school?” or “Do you prefer working or being in school?” I’ve always said, without a doubt, that I preferred working. Truth be told, part of me always felt trapped at school — I had so much I wanted to do, but my time was taken up by assignments and studying. However, once I lost that daily source of learning, I actually started to miss parts of the routine. I realized that I cherished the never-ending opportunities to challenge myself, question things and work my brain, and I enjoyed being around people who asked questions that had me thinking in new ways.

In 2020, I want to continue to stimulate my brain by reading daily, listening to new, exciting podcasts (if you have any recommendations, please send them my way!), and, most excitingly, travelling more. I’ve realized it’s about finding the avenues that complement my learning style best and allow me to incorporate education back into my daily life.

2. Getting to know yourself can be scary — and that’s OK.

This year, I had the unexpected opportunity to take my first solo trip, which led to me falling in love with the city of Portland and, in many ways, myself. I’m an only child, so doing things by and for myself has never really phased me. I’m not ashamed to admit I LOVE going to concerts alone — not only because I’m completely free to meet new people, but I also don’t need to tone down my excitement or feel bad about my terrible singing. I’ve also always pushed myself to get out and walk around, try new cafes and coffee shops and attend other events solo. But somehow, the thought of doing those things in another city/country/etc. was beyond daunting.

That said, spending my first night in Portland travelling to my hotel, exploring the city, trying a bar I had fallen in love with on Instagram and watching TV in my room felt so good and normal. Moral of the story here is I had nothing to be afraid of — I was the only one holding myself back. It took that one uncomfortable situation to get me comfortable with being uncomfortable, and I honestly can’t wait for my next solo trip, wherever it may take me.

I’m 22, and this year I learned more about myself than I ever have before. I reconnected with friends who truly have my back, tried new experiences, set new goals and reminded myself to live in the now. Along with this, I also learned, once again, to trust my gut; it never lies. This applies both to multiple choice answers on tests and deciding whether or not you’ll wear a $40 shirt you want to buy, but also your intuition on situations and people to stray away from. Always listen to yourself.