This year has felt extremely slow yet rapid. The start of a new decade ,the hopes of new beginnings, many of us were looking forward to what it had to bring. It’s unfortunate that it turned out to be a rollercoaster, with more downs than ups, so it’s safe to say that 2020 definitely did not go as planned. Hopefully, there is a lot of positivity and optimism going into 2021!
Think about it like this: After facing a global pandemic we probably won’t be shocked by whatever life throws at us next. We realized that we took our usual life for granted . We have grown accustomed to this new sense of reality by developing a different way of life and introspecting. We each have had our own challenges and accomplishments over the span of 2020, and in the future, we’ll be able to share this story with younger generations. We will have the opportunity to inspire and educate. Over our newly found free time, we were able to gain insight on issues facing today’s world, leaving many of us oblivious to the world otherwise.
Of course, we can’t help but feel like we are missing out. Especially at this age when we have many important milestones ahead of us, whether that’s driving, experiencing the last years in highschool, or perhaps going to college. It is more important than ever to explore and have new experiences, which has been hindered by the global pandemic as it has kept us indoors, seeing the same few people and the same few sceneries. People were excited to travel, some ready to make new friends, and others probably wanted to stay home and relax during their summer break, but I’m sure no one was prepared for this. Once life goes back to normal, we will have a new appreciation for the opportunities around us. Let’s end the year on a positive note! There have been many losses and moments of grief but there are seeds of light and joy. Remind yourself of a new interest you discovered, the friends and family that stuck by your side throughout, that one beautiful sunset you saw the other day by your house. Brief moments like those are worth cherishing forever. Any other year, you would have merely let these memories fade as these are usually insignificant.
Each day is a blessing and we for sure don’t take it for granted now. I am thankful for all the amazing people I have met this year. Through technology and youth led initiatives, I got the opportunity to talk to people from all around the world. It was the year where we realized that small things in life matter, that each person we meet unlocks a new collection of memories, and most importantly, that we will go through turbulent times, and no matter what, we’ll make our way through.
Happy New Year everyone! Let’s see what 2021 has in store for all of us. It’s going to be unpredictable, but there’s definitely a beauty to that. Don’t try to predict the future for yourself- if you have a dream, then you can make it happen! We are all rooting you on. May this new year be an amazing one for you, one filled with hope and promise!
Writer - Jasmine Kwok
Editor - Khushi Wadhwani
Illustrator - Jhem Picache
Graphics - Hafsa Gaballa
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