2024 Yearly Review
Publishing, Performing, and Personal Growth
Near the end of every year, I reflect on the key moments and lessons from the year.
I started doing this in 2019, and I’ve noticed that the biggest wins in my life came from deep reflection, specifically my yearly reviews.
My previous reviews are here: 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. (I didn’t publish my 2019 one.)
Here’s to 5 years of slowing down and thinking about what the hell is going on in my life! 🥂
Also, happy birthday to my little sister! ❤️
Going Public: Sharing My Work and Overcoming Judgment💫
This year, I took a bold step—I started sharing my teaching online after years of hesitation. Recording myself and posting those moments felt like exposing a piece of my soul to the world.
I was scared and felt I shouldn’t do it because other people would judge me. That’s part of why I knew I needed to, especially if I wanted to impact others in a way that mirrored how the people I look up to have affected me.
The response was beyond anything I could have imagined.
Strangers, people I’d never met, or people I barely knew supported me in ways I hadn’t thought possible. Some people I knew supported me in ways I believed to be unreasonable. A huge lesson I learned here is that strangers on the Internet will want to see you win - I have found more support online than I would have noticed in my day-to-day life.
One moment stands out: a student (whom I never met) quoted me in his Instagram bio, pulling a line from a blog post I never expected anyone to read.
This reminded me that the work I do—the words I share—matters far more than I realize. People are paying attention to what I say, and that is important.
I also learned that other people’s judgment is nothing to fear. I was worried people might criticize my qualifications or opinions, and when it finally happened, I felt no pain. Instead, I saw those comments for what they were: distractions from people who have little to show for themselves.
I found strength in knowing that what matters most is how I feel about myself and the opinions of those closest to me. That realization helped me publish my first book. I now realize that the only permission I need to create and share my work is my own, and I intend to keep stepping into that power.
If you are interested in going on this journey with me, feel free to follow my socials:
IG: @mrmukiibi
X: @chris_mukiibi
My life is still incredibly chaotic, so my progress will be slow and steady.
Media as Leverage and Connection 📱
This year, I realized that social media isn’t just a tool for sharing—it’s a platform for connection and leverage. I was invited to film content from someone who has (what I consider) a massive following; I began seeing my posts not as drops in an ocean but as ripples that could reach far and wide. Each follower, every view, is a real person who engages with my work. This became real when I realized my online reach surpasses my classroom impact tenfold. If I am willing to put in tremendous effort for a small number of people, I should be able to put in that same effort for a larger number. In a single post, I can reach hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people compared to the 80 students paying attention in a set of 160.
You can see the video here!
Media multiplies my message in ways I still don’t fully understand. This realization excites me, and I'm excited to explore the possibilities of combining my voice, ideas, and technology's power to create an even more significant impact. However, this discovery also comes with a great responsibility. The judgment I use to craft the messages I send people has a much more substantial impact. It is so critical that I refine my judgment and my messages because I’m speaking to more than 80 teenagers in a chemistry class now.
Finishing My Book: The Learning Compass 🧭
I wrote this tweet back in February. I didn’t want to be another 20-something who never finished their book. Funny enough, I didn’t finish the book until shortly after I turned 30. Ha. Better late than never. How ridiculous would it have been if I gave up on the project because it took me a week longer than I wanted? I almost did that, and I’m delighted I did not.
Holding my book in my hands still feels surreal. When I read pages from it, I can’t help but think, “This is a good book. " What is even crazier is that I wrote it—painstakingly.
But 6 years and over 780 pages later….it is done, and I am proud of it. (Something I have trouble believing with many of my creative works.)
Self-publishing taught me two important lessons.
The only permission I need to create is my own. There are no gatekeepers stopping me from sharing my ideas with the world. While this may be obvious to many, I did not grow up in a time of democratized media. I didn’t realize this until this year.
Following through on a creative goal builds confidence unlike anything else. The book I finished is not just a product; it’s proof that I can bring my big and crazy ideas to life. I can’t help but ask myself, what else can I bring into reality?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to pursue more projects and confident in my ability to follow through and share what matters most.
Family and Reconnection ❤️
One of the most heartwarming parts of this year was reconnecting with loved ones I hadn’t seen in years, in some cases over a decade. It was almost as if I had forgotten how much love I had in my life.
Unfortunately, the circumstances that brought everyone together were not ideal. This reminded me of the love surrounding me and the importance of staying close to family and those I consider family. Over the next year, I hope to reconnect with even more people I’ve lost touch with because life is too short to let distance linger.
At home, my daughters are growing faster than I can keep up. The days are long, but the years are short—everyone says this, but it’s so true. I was looking at pictures from earlier this year and could not believe the difference in my daughters. They look older and act entirely differently than just a year ago. I undoubtedly have two little toddler girls, and they are incredibly perfect.
My eldest’s 3rd birthday party was a highlight of the year. It was Gabby’s Dollhouse-themed, and it was lovely hosting a party. I also took my girls trick-or-treating for the first time. These moments are no longer just about them being babies; they’re about creating core memories that will shape who they are. Nothing is more meaningful than being part of those memories and helping craft a childhood full of joy and adventure.
More Evidence of Permissionless Creating & Giving What I Can 👏🏾
This year, I was honored to attend the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA) conference, sponsored by an administrator who sees great potential in me. It was an eye-opening experience to see so many people who look like me tackling tough challenges, such as helping Black students thrive in their schools. The conference also reminded me that I don’t need anyone’s permission to publish my work. Seeing other educators share their books and ideas was profoundly inspiring and reinforced my belief that I also have something valuable to share. (I didn’t know if I would finish my book at the time, but I saw that I should.)
As the BSU advisor, I had the privilege of helping our students organize a talent show. I’ve been a musician for years, though I hadn’t performed since college. This year, I stepped on stage, not for attention or praise, but because I had skills that could enrich the community. I performed a J. Cole cover during the height of the Kendrick, J. Cole, and Drake beef, with all the students joining me on stage to sing and dance. It was a powerful moment, not just for the show but for our community. I learned the importance of developing skills and offering them to enrich others' lives and giving what I had made the event unforgettable. I will always strive to provide what I have and never hold it back.
Beyond the talent show, I’ve continued to grow as a leader. Being recognized at the Top Scholar ceremony by one of my former students and nominated by other students for more awards was an honor I can’t put into words. Knowing I’ve made a lasting impact on my students’ lives means everything to me. Much of the time, teaching is a hard job, but those moments count for a lot.
This year also marked a milestone: the graduation of my first group of students from my teaching career. Being invited to their graduation parties felt like one of the highest honors as a teacher—a testament to the relationships we’ve built. I couldn’t attend all the parties, but being invited was a huge honor.
This year taught me that I’m not just connected to a larger community; I’m part of one that sees me as a positive example. This humbling and motivating realization fuels my passion to give even more.
Sharing My Ideas with More Experienced People 🧠
At the AVID Summer Institute, I was reminded that my ideas are valuable, no matter how long I’ve been teaching. Veteran teachers told me they learned from me—a validation I didn’t realize I needed. I often think my ideas aren’t worth sharing, especially around people with more experience, but I was proven wrong. We don’t have to be old or experienced to teach something new—a truth I tell my students, but I must keep relearning for myself.
Faith, Family, and Pride ⛪️
One of my proudest moments this year was seeing my cousin Brian become a deacon. Seeing him get ordained filled me with pride and admiration. Everyone who hears him speak at mass is blessed to have access to his wisdom, thoughtfulness, and grace. It was also the first time I attended mass in years.
Being there renewed my appreciation for art, architecture, and the beauty of Catholic tradition. I can’t wait to see my cousin give a homily.
No Longer a 20-Something 🕒
Turning 30 felt different. My body doesn’t handle junk food like it used to, and exercise has become more critical. But the more significant shift has been mental. I’m clearer on what matters to me: my family and work (not my job). I want to be close to the people I love while creating work that touches the lives of others.
This year was about clarity—recognizing what I value most and where I want to focus my energy. I’m entering this new decade with intention and excited for what comes next.
As wild as turning 30 is, what I found crazier is that I have accomplished many of the goals I set for my entire life. (It turns out I was thinking so small for many years.) I’m excited to set bigger goals and see where this next decade takes me.
Closing Thoughts 💭
This year taught me the power of sharing my voice, the importance of family, and the value of believing in myself. I learned to overcome fear, trust my ideas, and lean into the connections I build in person and online.
Looking ahead, I hope to deepen my relationships, create more meaningful work, and keep focusing on what truly matters: my family, my community, and the impact I want to make.
I’m optimistic and excited to see what the future has for me!