Hey y’all! December has been a whirlwind, and I didn’t get a chance to post on the blog this month because I was knee-deep in wrapping up other writing projects. But let me tell you, it’s been worth it! I’m so excited to share that I completed two book manuscripts in just two months, revised two book chapters, and contributed blog posts for Toward Inclusive Excellence (TIE). The support I’ve received for those pieces has been amazing, and it’s truly kept me going. Now that those projects are wrapped, I want to take a moment to reflect on what I’ve accomplished this year on the Diversity Fellow blog and share my vision for the year ahead.
Reflections, Intentions, and What’s Next
As the year comes to a close, I’m taking a moment to reflect on everything 2024 brought my way and set my intentions for 2025. Looking back, I’m so proud of what I’ve accomplished and how I’ve grown. Writing more consistently on my blog has been a huge personal win, and it’s helped me tackle important topics, share reflections, and review some truly amazing reads. To everyone who’s been part of this journey—reading, commenting, and supporting—thank you for being here.
This year has been about so much more than writing, though. I’ve leaned on my circle of family and friends who are my family, and I’m endlessly grateful to have them in my corner. It felt freeing to let go of certain relationships I found myself chasing. I came to the tough realization that some people had stopped supporting me a long time ago, and I was the only one still holding on. That truth wasn’t easy to face, but I’m grateful I did because holding on to something that no longer serves me only weighs me down mentally and emotionally. Letting go is its own kind of healing. Big up to my fam for being there and letting me process the closing of those chapters. Your support means everything. Also, I worked through the tough, emotional process of grieving and showed up for myself in ways I never imagined. I made a conscious effort to take better care of myself, to travel more, and to actually use my vacation time (because let’s be real, that’s a form of self-care too).
These reflections remind me of how far I’ve come, and they fuel my hopes for what’s ahead. In 2025, I want to keep building on this foundation. Personally, I’m setting my sights on even more travel—there’s so much of the world I still want to see! I’m also planning to lessen my professional load to make space for the things that truly matter, like diving deeper into the business my husband and I run together.
Advocating for marginalized communities will always be central to who I am, and that mission will carry forward into the new year. And let’s talk about my bookshelf! I have an incredible collection of books that’s begging for more attention, and I’m committed to savoring every page.
Of course, I’m also excited to keep my blog series going in 2025. The Let’s Talk About Series has been such a fulfilling space for exploring meaningful conversations, and Journal Club with Jamia is where I get to geek out over research and writing with all of you. I’ll continue sharing insights in my Professional Development Posts and highlighting incredible reads in Must Read Monday Posts—because who doesn’t love starting the week with something inspiring?
Before I wrap this up, I want to share my endorsement for my colleague Lindsay Cronk for the American Library Association presidency. Lindsay has the vision, leadership, and heart to make positive changes in our profession. I’m so excited to see what she’ll accomplish.
Here’s to more balance, joy, and intention in 2025. What are you reflecting on from this year? And what are you looking forward to in the next? Let’s keep this conversation going in the comments—I’d love to hear from you.
With gratitude and love,
Jamia/The Diversity Fellow
The Diversity Fellow's Blog 