Michèle:
Some years it is less easy to be thankful than others. But then it’s just a matter of being content with what life has given you, rather than what you wished for but didn’t get. 2024 was one of those years.
To begin with, at work, I published the coffee-table book I started editing in 2023 and tackled my last big project before retirement: I’ll be curating an exhibition on genetics research at WSL, which is set to open next September. In late summer, I had the honor of coordinating a media conference in a pine tree forest in Valais/Wallis, at the very research site Matthias launched in 2003. It has since turned into a unique, high-tech research platform focused on the effects of drought on forests. It was moving to imagine how happy Matthias would have been to participate in this extraordinary upgrade.
In April, I underwent surgery on my right hand for carpal tunnel syndrome. I’m grateful for the smooth recovery and the improvement it has brought to my daily life. My left hand will be operated on in January.
Six weeks after surgery, I was already able to help as my backyard underwent a major makeover. Our apple tree is gone, but the pond is now five times larger, and the new wooden deck brings back memories of the many hikes I’ve taken through wet forests and bogs in Europe and North America, filling me with sweet nostalgia.
After my vacation in the Netherlands with my partner, I finally broke free from a toxic relationship and am profoundly grateful for the understanding and support that helped me recover. In August, the girls and I enjoyed an idyllic week on the seaside near Sète, southern France—a perfect blend of family time, birding, photography, and the sweet embrace of dolce vita.
What makes me happiest is to see my daughters thrive, each in her own world. I’ll let them tell you about it in their own words and wish you peaceful holidays.
Marie:
2024 was a year of new beginnings and memorable experiences. It started with my final exam session at ETH in January, followed by a trip to Costa Rica with my boyfriend, Luca—our first holiday together! Despite some tropical illnesses, we loved exploring the country’s beauty.
My last semester at ETH flew by, and without final exams this summer, I celebrated earning my bachelor’s in medicine (three out of six years of study completed) surrounded by friends and loved ones. Returning to my hometown for a few months was a lovely bonus after living in Zurich the past two years. I first completed a six-week research internship in Basel, studying the burdens on family caregivers of cancer patients—a fascinating blend of medicine and psychology. Then I did a four-week nursing internship at the hospital in Muri, where I had the joy of working in the maternity ward. Over the past few years of medical studies, I’ve grown increasingly certain that I want to specialize in gynecology, so this was an incredible experience.
After these internships, Luca and I enjoyed a short trip to Italy. We visited the beautiful cities of Bologna and Viareggio, indulged in incredible food and started to practice our Italian—a skill that would soon become essential as, in September, we both moved to Lugano in Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, to begin our master’s studies. Over the next 2.5 years, we’ll combine English-taught classes with immersive hospital placements, improving both our skills and our Italian. The program’s practical focus has been fantastic, even better than my bachelor’s, and is preparing us well for medical state exams in 2027, after which we‘ll start working as doctors while specializing for five more years.
Currently, I’m busy with January exam prep and finding a master’s thesis, but life in Lugano is full of joy. Living with my best friend, Anna, and having Luca and many friends nearby keeps me busy in my free time. I’m looking forward to a cozy Christmas with Hannah and Mom, a cherished tradition we’ve thankfully managed to maintain despite now all living apart.
Hannah:
This year, a friend shared something that stuck with me: December is for friends and family. After such a full and busy year, I feel incredibly lucky to embrace that sentiment. With many of my friends embarking on new adventures—starting PhDs abroad or interning across different parts of Switzerland—I’m especially grateful for this time to reconnect.
My own year kicked off in a unique way: directing a commercial featuring a giant, melancholy blue bird. To my surprise and delight, it went on to win a gold medal at the Cannes Corporate Awards! Throughout the year, I worked on several commercials for brands like Raiffeisen Bank and Groupe Mutuel, but the projects that brought me the most joy were my two short films.
The first, Tin Man, is a 7-minute narrative about a grieving street performer, shot on 16-mm film in February. The second, just wrapped a few weeks ago, is about a 6-year-old girl who gets bullied by an adult teaching assistant during a school play. It was my most ambitious project yet, with a crew of 28, six adult actors, and 13 children. Despite the challenges, it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences. We’re now diving into post-production and aiming to complete the edit by next summer.
While my projects kept me busy, I did make time for one long-standing dream: traveling to Japan in June. I went with two friends to visit Leonie, my now-roommate, who spent the first semester of 2024 in Tokyo studying architecture. Thanks to her insider knowledge, we had an incredible, immersive experience. The trip is etched in my memory as one of the best holidays I’ve ever had.
Until New Year’s, I’ll be spending my free days baking with my mom, exploring Christmas markets with friends, and visiting Marie in Lugano. I hope you all find time to be with your loved ones and take a moment to savor this year before diving into the adventures of the next.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a wonderful start to the new year!
… And as every year, here are more photos and links:
- Our year 2024 in pictures (Diaporama)
- Hannah’s commercial for iWay “No Decoy needed” (with the blue bird)
- Another of Hannahs commercial: “Don’t be sad. Come back soon”, for Swiss Youth Hostels