December Dedication: Achieving New Milestones and Looking to the New Year Ahead

Greetings, Faithful Readers!

I can’t believe I am already at the 12th issue of my monthly newsletter! What started as a side project to keep me focused while navigating my job search has turned into something I’ve become deeply passionate about. Thank you for coming along on this journey—I’m excited to continue growing together!

This month, I’m reflecting on the completion of my Climatebase Fellowship and looking ahead to what’s next in the coming year. This rollercoaster year has had its share of ups and downs, and like many of you, I’m just trying to hold on for dear life. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!​

_{🐦 Shameless Plug}

For the second month in a row, this newsletter is unofficially sponsored by Bird Buddy, an AI-powered smart bird feeder revolutionizing backyard citizen science. Their approach makes scientific observation accessible to everyone.

Here’s what makes Bird Buddy special:

• High-quality photos: Captures stunning images of visiting birds to your feeder and receive mobile alerts.

• Citizen science contribution: Helps advance bird population studies.

• Entertainment meets science: This product is a perfect example of how technology can educate and entertain.

♻️ A Reflection on My Climatebase Fellowship

After an intense 12 weeks, I am proud to call myself a Climatebase Fellow! This experience was the perfect way to immerse myself in the climate conversation and build a network of passionate colleagues ready to tackle big challenges.

Here are a few highlights:

• Learning how energy markets work and exploring decarbonization strategies.

• Understanding the role of food production (and waste) in greenhouse gas emissions.

• Gaining insight into the circular economy and its potential for transformative change.

One of the most rewarding aspects was my Capstone project, where I combined my entrepreneurial skills with my passion for bird conservation. I addressed climate challenges that directly impact bird populations and their habitats—a topic close to my heart.

🌱Sustainability Corner: What Migrating Birds Can Teach Us

Change is inevitable, and no one embodies adaptability better than migrating birds. As a passionate birder, I’ve learned that migration is a powerful metaphor for navigating life’s transitions. Birds must adapt to shifting habitats and climates for survival—something that resonates with me as I navigate my own job search in a rapidly changing market.

This experience has reminded me to embrace resilience and adaptability, especially in the face of new challenges like the rise of AI technologies.

💡Productivity Tip: Begin with End in Mind

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned in my career is to think about the legacy you want to leave behind. Here’s an exercise to help guide your actions:

1. Create a 4 × 4 grid with these headers:

   • Cohort

   • Your Character

   • Your Contributions

   • Your Achievements

2. List 2–3 people in each cohort, such as:

   • Your spouse/partner

   • Your children

   • Your best friends

   • Key coworkers or managers

   • Community members, such as a neighbor or someone you volunteer with.

3. Write one thing you hope each person says about you.

This exercise is a powerful way to clarify your priorities and align your actions with what matters most. While thinking about the end of life can feel daunting, it’s a surprisingly uplifting way to focus on what’s truly meaningful.

📖 Resource of the Month

Smart Brevity - This game-changing book, written by the founders of Axios and Politico, has transformed the way I communicate. Their simple framework—"Why this matters," "How it works," and "Go deeper"—keeps writing clear, concise, and impactful. If you’re looking to say more with fewer words, I highly recommend this book.