2022 - Year in Review

2023 is mere hours away! What better time to take stock and reflect upon these last twelve months. Frankly, 2022 marked the worst tragedy I've endured - regarding the loss of my father. I don't know if you've witnessed amidst thickening outcast grey skies, slivers of light peering through the clouds. Metaphorical for the good moments that were scattered in between. Life is constantly evolving and the challenge is being able to gear up for its many twists and turns. One thing I've especially learned - picking yourself up from the wreckage is key to evolving into a better human.

In March, I took a refreshing weekend trip to Atlanta (first post Pandemic) and returned soon after to the passing of my father, Dr. Francois Charles. His death remains to be the most devastating event of my life. While I still grieve him everyday, I'm reminded by his spirit to move onward. Dr. Francois Charles' legacy to aid and inspire those around fuel my passion to do the same. Resilience is the number one lesson I take away from 2022 - although it'll take my remaining lifetime to practice it.

...amidst thickening outcast grey skies, slivers of light [peer] through the clouds.

However, my hard work and perseverance did result in some moments of triumph. Another lesson I learned - Sometimes you're given a gift in order to properly appreciate it's worth in your life. We rarely take time to stop in the current moment (even reflecting back can be hard) to acknowledge our victories. I urge you - make time now to appreciate your victories as it'll become easier to recognize them in the future! Fulfillment comes not only from doing - but also recognizing and taking pride in what you've done!

For instance, some of the work includes building my digital profile from last year's CaraGreen podcast with writing. Being asked to pen a guest blog for Tatsuya "Tats" Nakagawa 's podcast was impressive! If you haven't yet - subscribe to Specified Growth Podcast ! Their interviews with key players in both the #buildingmaterials and #entrepreneurship industries are enlightening! (Special shout-out to Robert Puharich, iSCS for guidance in the blog-publishing process)!

I also had the great fortune to participate in The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Conference (A'22) in Chicago [where I met outstanding people from Swatchbox and National Glass Association (NGA) amidst many other groups]. My professional journey lead me to take on committee work with Greater Saint Louis Chapter CSI and on-site volunteering as a Young Friend with Rebuilding Together St. Louis .

Ever constant (as for now three years) is being Manager for The Resource Center @ AIA St. Louis ! Working with our exceptional Resource Center Members and Supporters of the #buildingmaterials industry remains a joy! I'm fortunate to jump-start 2023 as the newly appointed Chairman of the USGBC-Missouri Gateway Chapter Education Committee. Important to note, I'm excited to help promote the rebranding of #USGBCMGC to #MoGreenBuildings with a revised name (and website) official on January 1st!

Although I won't go into lengthy details, some of my 2023 aspirations (better suited than resolutions) are in these four categories:

1. Professional
2. Physical
3. Spiritual
4. Motivational

In conclusion, the stormy effects of 2022 will impact the rest of my life. However, I'm hopeful in remembering those rays of light that still penetrate through the clouds. Just like rain stays, rainbows will always follow.

"Regenerate your love - spread it all around the world
You are the source - we're the ones create the world"

- Background music to the 2022 AIA St. Louis Design Awards Instagram video.