Today is the last day of 2017, and we at Swedes in the States are leaving this year with excitement and a lot of gratitude. We are excited for the new year, and amazing things happening with Swedes in the States in 2018. We are also thankful for everyone who has supported us in 2017.
Who could imagine that this little community that started out as a pretty crappy website in the spring of 2017 would grow into what it is today? But with rapid growth for Swedes in the States and our own personal adventures as foreigners in this truly remarkable country, 2017 has also brought with it a lot of lessons learned. Needless to say, I am proud of this group of people!
I asked myself and my team what their most important lessons from 2017 were and what their new year resolutions for 2018 would be. Check out our answers below!
Natalie Söderberg, Founder & Editor-in-Chief
What was the most important lesson of 2017?
Patience, and I am probably still going to be working on that for a few years to come.
What are your resolutions for 2018?
Creating an even better digital community with Swedes in the States. I want our team to be more personal and up close with our readers (I guess this is a good start, right?!)
I also want to focus on opening up Swedes in the States more to the larger Scandinavian community as well as Americans with an interest in Scandinavia.
Elina Sundqvist, Managing Editor
What was the most important lesson of 2017?
Say yes to everything that comes your way, especially the things that scares you. Sounds cheesy, but I’ve grown and done so many fun things this year that I probably wouldn’t have done in the past. Such as taking an acting class where I had to play a horny sloth.
Curious how a horny slot acts and sounds? Have a look at my inspiration for my scene here.
What are your resolutions for 2018?
Continue to meet and connect with remarkable Scandinavians for Swedes in the States as well as continue to develop interesting ideas and articles. I also hope to find more fantastic editors to add to our growing network.
Lara McCarthy, Editor
What was the most important lesson of 2017?
To not give up when something is challenging!
What are your resolutions for 2018?
To spend less time on my phone and not let it distract me from the people who are actually in the room with me!
Lova Olsson, Editor
What are your resolutions for 2018?
I usually don’t have New Year resolutions but this year I want to travel and see more places in the U.S.
What was the most important lesson of 2017?
I have learned that there is no point in stressing and worrying about the future. I’m still working on this though.
Karolina Finskas, Editor
What was the most important lesson of 2017?
That you can’t depend on other people to do things for you. If you want something to be done you have to do it yourself
What are your resolutions for 2018?
Keep pushing myself out of my comfort zone every day in order to grow both on a personal and professional level.
Chantale Niczko, Editor
What was the most important lesson of 2017?
Rome wasn’t built in one day! Good things take time and I have to stop being so impatient and rush things.
What are your resolutions for 2018?
Believe more in me and not letting bad things stop me from keep going.
Jason Rowe, Web Developer
What are your resolutions for 2018?
New years resolution would be to make sure I focus on spending time with my daughter when I have her and to not let things like work get in the way of that. Also, to pursue more experiences rather than possessions ( especially electronics)
What was the most important lesson of 2017?
It would have to be to fight procrastination and reduce dread of starting something new. Just doing even the smallest piece of the task will breed motivation to eventually complete it. “Action breeds motivation”
We all wish you all a Happy New Year, god fortsättning and an amazing start to 2018!
