Yet another year with fluctuating fortunes - but with some awesome events too! ❤️

In 2024, I proudly

- ... presented at TESOL 2024 in Tampa, Florida!!! 🇺🇸

The TESOL International Convention and Expo is the biggest event in the ELT industry, with over 3,000 attendees from all over the world. Presenting at this event is undoubtedly one of the most important highlights of my teaching career. More: https://vk.com/iralutse?w=wall-47977221_12168

- ... was a guest on a podcast in Bukhara!!! 🇺🇿

One of the most treasured memories of 2024. Beyond grateful to Mukhammadali, Alisher, and the video team for this podcast. Absolutely loved being a guest on Ad Astra Muse! Watch it at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly7ZbJUBfYc&t=1s

- ... presented at MISIS University Conference in Moscow. 🇷🇺

Another hugely important highlight of my career because I gave my first ever plenary talk. And it was the first time ever when I presented two days in a row. Absolutely wonderful, warm, welcoming audience!!!

- ... taught a creative writing course at ITMO University. Isn't is great that a technical university invested into a creative writing course for its students?

- ... taught an intensive IELTS camp for gifted kids from the LETOVO school. I don't often work with teenagers, but teaching these kids was pure pleasure. Grateful to have been invited.

- ... took two courses with American instructors as a student: "Writing College and Grant Applications" and "Drama Techniques to Boost Speaking and Writing Skills." New knowledge, new ideas, new perspectives.

- ... wrote another 3000-word story (my third one) in my "Creative Writing Bootcamp" project. Couldn't have done it without my creative team.

- ... continued the short story reading club "Small Stories Big Ideas." Hosted by the one and only Irina Kireeva - an avid reader and a professional book club host, both in person and online.

- ... continued spreading the passion for writing with free projects: "Creative Writing Club," "Writing Incubator," and "Poetry Writing mini-course." These projects are done by my like-minded writing fans who are happy to share their passion too: Veronika Shirobokova, Alena Nikitina, Evgenia Karabatova, Elizaveta Zanozina, Maria Botina, Svetlana Kukharevich.

I couldn't have done so much - and so meaningfully - without the people mentioned and many others helping behind the scenes. My unending gratitude to every single person who contributed and supported us! 💜

And, of course, the wonderful New Year image is by the wonderful Anna Skopina - the artist behind all my visuals on social media over the last two years. So happy to have found her! 🧡

My motto for 2025 is "Do more." What is yours? ❤️