Hello Reader,

Ah, 2024. What a year! It's been full of twists and turns. This year forced me to confront some big questions: What do I really want to do? Who am I? And what I want to spend time on.

2024 taught me three big lessons that I’d love to share. They are not specifically related to data science or AI, but I hope they are still useful in some way.

1. Health Matters More Than Hustle

For the past three years, I’ve been juggling a full-time job, studying computer science, and making YouTube videos. (Yes, overemployment is real, and unfortunately, I didn’t have a clone to help out.) My YouTube channel became my creative outlet where I could experiment, share, and help people dive into data science, coding, and AI. It’s been a blast! I went from never having touched a camera to creating videos that reached thousands.

But on the flip side, I was burning the candle at both ends. Late nights editing, early mornings working my day job, and weekends packed with deadlines. Sleep? Who needs it when you’ve got passion! (Spoiler: You do!)

Some days I’d crawl into bed feeling completely drained. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if my YouTube adventure shaved a few years off my lifespan 😅. But looking back, I don’t regret it. I helped people, learned new skills, and created something meaningful.

Still, if I could rewind, I’d remind my past self to take it slower. Health isn’t something you can outsource.

2. Family Time Is Non-Negotiable

There’s something about your 30s that makes you realize time is not infinite—especially with family as parents get older. I learned this the hard way last year during a trip to Europe with my parents. It was their first visit, and I was so excited to show them my life here in the Netherlands.

But then, while climbing the stairs to a viewpoint, my dad collapsed. He was unconscious for 15 of the longest minutes of my life. We called for an ambulance, rushed to the hospital, and spent the next five nerve-wracking hours waiting for answers. The good news? He recovered. The not-so-good news? The doctors couldn’t pinpoint the issue.

That moment shook me to my core. I’ve spent the last 10 years living far from my family, and for the first time, I felt how little time I might have left with them. It made me rethink my priorities. Work will always be there, but moments with the people you love are non-negotiable.

So this holiday season, I hope you’ll savor every moment with your loved ones ❤️.

3. Time Well-Spent Is Never Wasted

If there’s one thing 2024 drilled into my brain, it’s this: as long as you’re spending time on what truly matters to you, you won’t regret it - whether it’s learning a new skill, pursuing a passion, or simply being with people you care about.

You'll always feel like being pulled in a million directions, but the magic happens when we align our time with our values.

For me, that meant doubling down on projects that fuel my creativity and help others grow. For you? Maybe it’s finally learning a skill that you've always wanted to learn.

As 2024 comes to a close, I want to say thank you—for being part of this journey, for your support, and for your passion for learning! 🙌

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

P.S. If you’ve been waiting to start learning Python and AI, my course is still available at early bird pricing. It’s packed with everything you need to stay ahead in AI and transform your skills in 2025.

Happy holidays 🎉,

Thu