My 30 before 30

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As I approached my 30th birthday, I found myself wondering: What would make these final months of my twenties truly meaningful? I began searching through various “To-Do Before 30” lists, hoping to find something inspiring and new. However, most of these lists felt predictable, filled with generic goals that didn’t really resonate with me.

Now, having recently celebrated my 30th birthday, I’ve taken some time to reflect on the journey that got me here. Looking back, I see how much I’ve grown and how each experience has shaped me into the woman I am today. Instead of following someone else’s checklist, I decided to create my own list – one that captures the unique achievements and moments that have defined my life so far. 

My goal with this list is to inspire and motivate others to follow their own paths, so please remember that this list is not a guide or template for what you should accomplish before 30. It’s simply a reflection of what has been meaningful in my life. It’s very important to understand that everyone has their own unique path and timeline. We shouldn’t compare ourselves to others because everyone’s journey is different. The most important thing is that you follow your own path and embrace your own timing.

So here are My 30 Before 30 – a personal collection of highlights, memories, and lessons that have made these past three decades truly my own.

Personal growth

1. Learned two new languages: English and German
   Learning new languages was the foundation of my twenties. Being able to speak English and German has not only opened my eyes to new cultures, but it has also opened my worldview and allowed me to connect with people from different backgrounds.
2. High school year abroad
   At the age of 17, I went on an exchange program with AFS from Venezuela to Germany. Arriving in a new country without knowing the language or anyone was terrifying and yet exciting at the same time. 
   It fascinates me to see how a person manages to adapt to a new place, a new routine and a new lifestyle. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I am very grateful to have had the chance to live it.
3. Learned to say “no” and speak my mind
   Over time, I realized the importance of speaking my mind and standing up for myself, even when it was uncomfortable. This skill is essential to help me navigate life with confidence.
4. Reflect on my accomplishments and set new goals
   I often look back on my journey to appreciate how far I’ve come. This reflection not only fills me with pride, but also motivates me to keep setting and achieving new goals.
5. Lived alone and gained independence
   Moving out of my parents’ house taught me invaluable lessons about independence. Living alone forced me to manage my finances, take care of household chores, and embrace being alone.
6. Fell in love (with someone and with myself)
   Falling in love is more than finding someone special, it’s also about loving yourself. Both are essential for my personal happiness and fulfillment, not because I need a man to be happy, but because I can share my happiness with him as he shares it with me.

Academia and Professional development

7. Graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Engineering (in German)
   I completed my education in Germany, earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and a master’s degree in applied plastics technology. This academic journey taught me discipline, dedication, and a set of skills that I apply every day.
8. Won a DAAD Award for Academic Excellence and Social Engagement
   Receiving the DAAD Prize 2020 was a great honor, as it recognized not only my academic achievements, but also my social contributions. In order to win this award, you have to be nominated by a professor or your classmates, so it is an honor for me to have been nominated at all, let alone to have won. It’s an accomplishment I’m incredibly proud of.
9. My first job
   I would like to distinguish between my first job as a working student and my first full-time job. 
   As a student, the opportunity to experience the working life of a company was an invaluable experience for my studies and later professional life. As a non-German, I think it was a key experience in learning the German work ethic. 
   My first full-time job was actually in a research institute at a German university, so even though I had years of experience with German companies, it was kind of a new world for me as there are some differences between a private company and a research institute. Working there, I learned how to work with scientific methods, how to manage my own time and projects more efficiently, I also learned critical thinking, data analysis, and specific technical skills.
10. Finding my career path
    Not long ago I decided to make some changes in my career path, which can be frightening, but after a lot of thinking, strengths and weaknesses analysis and future visualization exercises, I decided to take the risk and step out of my comfort zone. I learned that it’s okay to change direction if something doesn’t feel right. Figuring out the right path that aligns with my values and strengths has been empowering.
11. Wrote for a Magazine as a Teenager
    At the age of 15, I had the opportunity to contribute to a local magazine in my hometown, writing articles for other teenagers. My mom told me to write about something that other teenagers would feel addressed, so of course I wrote an article called: Oh No, Acne!
    It was my first experience writing for an audience, and it was unforgettable.
12. Organized a one-week international engineering event
    I led a team of 22 great students who helped me organize a week-long event with international guests for the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, which is normally full of events, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to change it to an online version in just a few weeks. It was challenging, but the event turned out great.
13. Began investing in the future
    Being Venezuelan, I understand the importance of financial security, so I started investing and saving for my future. It’s an important step toward stability in an unpredictable world.
14. Got my driver’s license and bought my first car
    Getting a driver’s license in Germany was no small thing. Although buying my first and now second car is a materialistic accomplishment, it symbolizes independence and perseverance.

Health

15. Habit of running
    Running wasn’t really my thing, but last year, motivated by a friend, I started running regularly. Now I enjoy it as part of my routine and feel healthier and more energetic.
16. Habit of cycling
    After I started running, I tried road cycling, and just before I turned 30, I completed a 70km bike ride, a personal record. It is a challenging yet rewarding exercise that I now enjoy as much (or more) as running.  

17. My first pull-up
    Aside from running and cycling, I am actually more of a weight lifting/gym person. So after I started running and riding, I wanted to have a goal in the gym, which is how I managed to do a pull-up. Doing a pull-up may seem simple, but it was a milestone for me.
18. Enjoy camping and love nature
    For my 28th birthday, my brother bought me a tent. At first I was a bit confused because I’ve never camped in a tent before, but after some thinking I decided to give it a try. For my first camping experience I decided to combine it with a hike in the Alps. That experience led me to an unexpected love of nature and hiking. Now I enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring new trails and landscapes.

19. Tried new activities and overcame fears
    Whether it was snorkeling despite my fear of the sea or learning to snowboard, I’ve embraced new experiences even when they scared me. At the end of the day, I am very happy because at least I tried.
20. Prioritize mental health
    Taking time for reflection and journaling helps me stay in tune with my emotions and maintain mental clarity. Understanding and managing my feelings has been important to my emotional well-being.
21. Take care of my body through healthy habits
    Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the key to well-being. I’ve learned to eat well, exercise regularly, and listen to my body, and it has had a positive impact on both my body and my mind. 

22. Have a skin care routine
    Having struggled with acne as a teenager, skin care has always been a concern for me. After some research and experimentation, I have a routine that helps keep my skin healthy and glowing.

Travel and exploration

23. Living abroad and fulfilling a dream
    Living in Germany has been a dream of mine since I was 12 years old. What started as a year-long exchange turned into a life-changing experience, and I couldn’t be happier to live and work here.
24. Love to travel
    I have loved to travel since I was a child, and living in Europe has allowed me to easily travel to different countries within Europe as well as other continents. I’ve visited 26 countries so far, and each trip has added to my understanding of different cultures and broadened my perspective. I can’t wait to see where I go next.

25. Traveled alone
    Solo travel pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it also offered a unique opportunity to reconnect with myself. It’s an experience I believe everyone should try at least once.

Life skills and hobbies

26. Passion for cooking (and eating)
    Cooking has become one of my greatest pleasures. I love to experiment with new recipes and foods. For me, it is also a way to connect with new cultures, as I like to try out new cousins.
27. Technical skills
    Over the years, I’ve developed a variety of technical skills, including programming, 3D design, soldering, drilling, and general repair work. Although my engineering degree provided me with a solid foundation, I’ve continued to expand my knowledge by experimenting with new challenges, such as programming an Arduino, building a database of recipes, or changing the oil in my car. I continually search for opportunities to learn and grow because I believe that we must constantly evolve with the world. If we don’t, we risk being left behind as the world will continue to evolve anyway.
28. Creative hobbies
    Creativity has always been a central part of my life. As a child, drawing was my everything – I couldn’t go a day without drawing something. Mostly, I drew women in beautiful dresses, imagining myself as a designer. This love for creating went beyond paper; I also made my own jewelry, which I proudly sold in my mom’s store. While I still enjoy drawing, I’ve expanded my creative outlets to include painting, sewing, embroidery, and woodworking. I find a deep satisfaction in these activities, as they allow me to express myself.

29. Modeled for a banner ad
    At the age of 18, I had the opportunity to model for a local ad campaign for my mom’s stylist. It was a very fun experience that added a touch of glamour to my teenage years.
30. Performed as a “Queen” in front of 4.000 people
    At the age of 10, I was crowned “Queen of the Carnival” at a country club in my hometown. The crowning was a huge event. Other kids danced with me in a show that we had been preparing for months, and then we got to perform it in front of 4,000 people. That was a lot of pressure for a 10-year-old.