Carmen Jimenez talks Wednesday afternoon about what she is looking forward to in 2025 while walking down Lisbon Street in Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

LEWISTON — Family reunions and academic success, hopes of employment and safer streets are some of the things Lewiston residents look forward to in 2025. With aspirations as diverse as their city, as the new year begins several people reflected Wednesday on the triumphs and trials over the past year, daring to imagine what the new one might bring.

Portland native Carmen Jimenez is a veterinarian student at Central Maine Community College in Auburn. Among her many hopes for 2025 is the opportunity to get some practical experience in her field, but she’s also feeling bittersweet about putting 2024 in the rearview mirror.

“I grew a lot in 2024, I learned a lot of new things,” Jimenez said. “I lost a lot of friends and I gained a lot of friends. I started college and I’m kind of learning how to balance between adult life and school life. Now, I’m at the turning point in my life where I’m figuring things out, finding that stability.”

Going into her sophomore year, Jimenez said she has high hopes for a smoother time at school and in her life.

“I was vacationing in Florida where my family lives and I’m hoping to go see them again this year,” Jimenez added.

Ahmed Mohamed, right, and his brother, Omar, talk about what they are looking forward to in 2025 while walking Wednesday afternoon in downtown Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

While Jimenez focuses on personal growth and navigating adulthood, others like young brothers Ahmed and Omar Mohamed have aspirations rooted in family and school. As they left Kennedy Park basketball courts, their hopes for 2025 were simple, but striking.

“I’m hopeful for my older sister, that she always has a good day at work,” Ahmed said. “And I hope I get to do something good this year.”

Omar said he has been thankful for his family this year and expects good things for everyone. But for himself?

“I am looking forward to getting good grades,” Omar said.

Chris Martin takes a break from working Wednesday afternoon at the corner of Chestnut and Lisbon streets in Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Youthful optimism gave way to Chris Martin’s practical ambitions and hopes for a brighter future for the city of Lewiston and for the world. Martin was taking a break from work at Global Halal Market on Lisbon Street when he revealed what he wants most for himself is a new vehicle, a pay raise and to see better living conditions in Lewiston.

“I’m hoping the wars stop, that we have peace,” Martin said. “I hope I get a raise, better living standards and, most of all, (to see) more homeless housing.”

Buddy Taylor talks Wednesday afternoon in downtown Lewiston about what he is looking forward to in 2025. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Longtime resident and former business owner Buddy Taylor is focused on memories of the Lewiston he once knew — one with less crime and poverty, streets that were safer and life much simpler. Taylor said he hopes Lewiston can bounce back to its former glory when people were thriving more.

“I was brought up in the downtown years ago and the streets just weren’t like they are today,” Taylor said. “It’s not like it used to be when I would shine shoes on the streets and not worry about anything. You can’t do that today.”

Tobias Boutilier panhandles Wednesday afternoon at the corner of Pine and Lisbon streets in Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Others like Tobias Boutilier are focused on present challenges. Boutilier was panhandling at the corner of Ash and Lisbon streets when he said his No. 1 hope for 2025 was to find a job and a place to stay. While Boutilier couldn’t say 2024 was a great year, he did say it wasn’t all bad and was just enough to keep looking ahead.

“I’m hoping that all my kids go the course that they’re on now, college, and all that good stuff,” Boutilier said. “I really wish the best for them.”

Bruce Decker talks Wednesday afternoon about what he is looking forward to in 2025 while walking down Lisbon Street in Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

As for resident Bruce Decker, life’s hopes were summed up in five words: “To find a good woman.”

Decker said he is more than happy to put 2024 behind him.