Jonathan Meyer.

Woah, this is the last 2024 edition of the News Chronicle! With ’25 on the mind, I want to take the opportunity to look back and reflect on Just Jonathan’s terrific ’24.

To start the year I was happy but by no means did I have my proverbial “poop in a group”. I was complacent and struggling through my second semester of college. I hadn’t figured out college and really didn’t want to be there. Complacent, lost, confused, and stuck in the past, the first few months of 2024 weren’t wonderful for me.

After going through a much needed breakup and experiencing a bit of creative rejuvenation, I returned to the byline and graced the pages of the TTNC once again. A great decision then and now! This was the same time I decided to grow a big beautiful beard. I’ve dreamed since I was a kid of having a beard, looking in the mirror still makes me smirk and giggle like a child.

In April, I experienced my first ever national band tour, getting loaded on a charter bus with 50 other Wartburg Wind Ensemble members. The highling of that trip was exploring Denver by myself and seeing a musical. I felt truly independent and free on that day.

Something I find ironic was seeing the Michael Jackson musical in Denver before returning to Iowa and dancing to one of his songs in a recital with my sister.

Jenna, Jenna, Jenna…we grew a lot closer this year. Never did I see my sister as a friend, yet it seemed to happen pretty naturally. From dancing, to coffee, and even seeing musicals with me, our relationship grew in a positive way. I watched you earn yourself a free education and had the absolute honor to report on it. I am immensely proud of you and will always be here for you.

When summer came around I was very much ready for the change. Leaving my worries and struggles from a full school year behind, I set my sights on mowing and writing, two passions on opposite ends of the spectrum. In addition to working, I decided my running needed more attention. I sat my sights on a consistent summer of training, I owed it to myself and my team.

The summer blew by. My adventures included many musicals, memories made with my friend Matt everyday on the job, longer runs than ever, a best friend visiting from Germany, and so many other small yet impactful occurrences.

My life had become even more fast paced than usual, always staying busy with something. Staying busy yet keeping up with it for the first time in my life. Any worries, troubles, and unhappiness from earlier in the year seemed to fade away. For perhaps the first time in my life, I felt an overwhelming sense of contentment.

When all was said and done, three months of summer flew by and I was begrudgingly moving back into college. Being back for a second year was an accomplishment in itself but I felt this twinkle of optimism, a feeling that was fleeting the year prior.

Being back at school things we’re a lot different. I moved into a four person suite with two friends and, frankly, a guy I really disliked. Caleb was always someone I disliked for no other reason than my own unhappiness and a few untimely interactions. My other roommates Dawson and Chris made sure we got things started off on the right foot thankfully. Caleb and I grew our relationship quick, before you knew it we were friends just like everyone else. Setting aside silly and petty differences brought me closer to everyone in my life, that was a big lesson learned.

Everything seemed to fall into place very nicely. My days were manageable, academically I was doing well, great relationships with my friends, my running was going really good, I was closer to balance than ever before.

I finished the semester better than ever. A better friend, better runner, dependable teammate, improved writer, and just a happier guy.

On winter break now, I look forward to telling our communities stories and finishing the year strong.

2024 has taught me a lot. One thing for sure, I’m happier when I’m working for the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle.

Until next week and until next year, I’m Just Jonathan.