add new blog

.tours/test.tour

@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+  "$schema": "https://aka.ms/codetour-schema",
+  "title": "Test",
+  "steps": [
+    {
+      "title": "Introduction",
+      "description": "open index,tsx"
+    }
+  ],
+  "ref": "master"
+}

README.md

@@ -107,3 +107,5 @@ Curious about upcoming features? Check our [Roadmap](https://github.com/orgs/Vet
 ## License :scroll:
 
 This project is under the MIT License - see the [License](https://github.com/Vets-Who-Code/vwc-site/blob/master/LICENSE) for more details.
+
+

src/data/blogs/five-things-all-devs-should-do-in-2025.md

@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+---
+title: "5 Things Every Developer Should Do in 2025"
+postedAt: "2025-01-25T00:00:00.000Z"
+author: "Jerome Hardaway"
+description: "Discover five practical ways developers can level up professionally and personally in 2025, from building a personal website to making friends outside of tech."
+image: { src: "https://res.cloudinary.com/vetswhocode/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/v1737784630/dev-2025_bhpafr.jpg" }
+category: "Career Development"
+tags:
+  - Development
+  - Career Growth
+  - AI Tools
+  - Networking
+  - Work-Life Balance
+is_featured: true
+---
+
+As we step further into 2025, it’s clear that the tech world isn’t slowing down. Frameworks change, tools evolve, and staying relevant means more than just keeping up. To grow as a developer, you need to think beyond code and take a more rounded approach. Here are five practical ways to level up this year.
+
+**Finish Your Website**  
+Let’s be real, social media isn’t what it used to be. The sense of community, connection, and creativity feels like a thing of the past, replaced by algorithms that decide who sees what. It’s time to reclaim your space on the web. Start by building your own website. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just make it yours. Maybe it’s a portfolio to showcase your work, a blog to share your ideas, or a sandbox to test new skills. Your website can be a digital garden where you grow your skills, share your story, and invite others to explore your work. Take control of your narrative and send people to your personal corner of the internet.
+
+**Write More**  
+Writing isn’t just for content creators; it’s for everyone. Whether it’s a blog post, a how-to guide, or a quick note on a bug you fixed, writing helps you process what you’ve learned and communicate it to others. It doesn’t need to be perfect or groundbreaking, just document your journey. You’ll thank yourself when you revisit your own notes months later and find answers to questions you’ve forgotten you solved. Plus, sharing your experiences helps others learn, and it builds your credibility in the community. Writing is a skill that keeps on giving, so start small and stay consistent.
+
+**Try One AI Coding Tool**  
+AI is here, and it’s not going anywhere. Whether it’s GitHub Copilot, Amazon CodeWhisperer, or another tool, pick one and make it part of your workflow. Learn how it works, where it shines, and where it falls short. AI tools won’t replace you, but they can boost your productivity and free up mental space for more complex tasks. The earlier you get comfortable with them, the more you’ll gain in the long run.
+
+**Go to a Local Meetup**  
+Local meetups are making a comeback, and there’s no better way to connect with your community. Sure, conferences are cool, but they can feel overwhelming and impersonal. Meetups, on the other hand, are where the real connections happen. You’ll meet other developers, learn new things, and maybe even find a mentor or become one. I found my first mentor at a meetup over a decade ago, and that relationship has been invaluable. Check out Meetup.com, Eventbrite, or even Discord groups for gatherings near you. It’s amazing what can happen over a few slices of pizza and a shared passion for tech.
+
+**Make Friends Outside of Tech**  
+Tech can be intense. The grind to learn, grow, and keep up with the industry can be exhausting. That’s why it’s so important to step outside the bubble. Non-tech friends can remind you there’s more to life than debugging and deployments. Whether it’s hiking, gaming, or just grabbing a drink, they offer balance and a fresh perspective. Join a sports team, take a cooking class, or volunteer. It’s a great way to meet people who’ll enrich your life and keep you grounded.
+
+**Ready to get started?**  
+Pick just one of these to try this month. Launch that personal website, write your first blog post, or head to a local meetup. The first step is always the hardest, but it’s the most important. Remember, being a great developer isn’t just about writing code. It’s about creating a sustainable, fulfilling career. Make 2025 the year you invest in yourself, both in and out of tech. You’ve got this!
+
+### Support Vets Who Code
+
+If this story resonates with you, consider supporting Vets Who Code to help more veterans transition into successful tech careers. Your donations can make a significant impact. You can also sponsor us on GitHub to get technical updates and support our mission. Together, we can make a difference.