One second we are smitten with a global pandemic and the next it's already the holiday season. While this year's holidays might look a little different (and maybe even a little more depressing), I still think it's important to reflect on ourselves this year more than ever. This year hasn't been an easy one for anybody, but I think what makes us who we are is how we handle these situations more so than how bad they are. One thing for damn sure is that nobody is alone in their woes.
I'll admit that I could be a lot more thankful and show more gratitude, and I haven't always been the best at showing appreciation to others. While in elementary school we would make these BS lists about what we're thankful for that year, I never really knew what I truly was thankful for. Now that I'm almost 20, I feel like I have some sense of how to show genuine appreciation (at times). For the very interesting year of 2020, here are the things I am thankful for.
The technology we have in our lives
Once the COVID-19 pandemic struck, institutions like schools had to plan their course of action. As it was unprecedented, I can only guess this was a not an easy task to accomplish, and I'm sure lots of people had questions. I'm so thankful that we live in a world with technology so advanced that cars can drive themselves. More importantly, I'm thankful that with our technology, we were able to attend school/university from our very own homes. While many students could say that going to school online is not a very pleasant experience, it still amazes me how professors, faculty, and staff of schools were able to plan and organize everything so students were able to continue receiving their education.
The organizations I was able to be a part of on campus
While attending GBMs for clubs even pre-COVID was not my thing, you'd expect me to be completely off the radar during remote school. It makes sense that you'd be confused as to how getting involved on campus would even be possible off-campus. Tying it in with our cutting-edge technology (like Zoom), this allowed us to actually be connected through organizations and clubs virtually. I'm not saying these meetings or gatherings were the same as if they were in person, but come on, it's better than nothing. Surprisingly, I've gotten more involved during online university than I ever was in person. I'm honestly really glad that through these opportunities I was able to meet such a diverse bunch of people and it really reassures me that I'm not alone.
Musicians and artists still making music through it all
Music is a big part of my life, as I'm sure it is for a lot of you as well. I think music conveys much more than the sound it produces, and it brings me to tears at times. Music is such a beautiful craft, and I'd kill to be able to sing. All jokes aside, the music goes with me everywhere. During long drives, my commutes to school, or even if I'm just on my computer all day. Sometimes, music is the one thing that makes you feel listened to when you're doing the listening. Music will be a part of me until I die, and I'm very grateful for the artists that have worked during these times.
Doctors, nurses, and anybody that works in hospitals and medical institutions
Come on, you knew it was coming. Throughout this whole pandemic, we've heard everyone thanking the workers in the front-line doing everything they can to contain and beat down this virus so that we can all finally take selfies without masks. I believe that even 7 billion "thank you" 's are not enough to show appreciation for the work they're doing. While they've suffered many tears from studying, they're also suffering from fatigue now from their long hours. Not only am I thankful for what they're doing, I respect them because this is something I wouldn't dare to get my feet wet in. They're risking their lives and facing the virus head-on, and that takes a lot of balls. I don't know if this helps but take my energy.
Last but not least, the people close to me.
I didn't want to be typical, but you can't not be thankful for your inner circle. I didn't want to just say "friends and family", so at least that's something. Not even just my family and my closest friends, but also to the people I've befriended during these tough times. The people close to you are the ones that you really feel connected with, the ones that you know will be able to help you stand strong and tall. These are the people that will help get your feet back up when they're swept down. As cheesy as it sounds, I would not be who I am without the people around me. To everyone that's close to me, to everyone that I hold dear to my heart, you know who you are and you guys are killing it. We're all in this together and let's hope this vaccine releases soon so we can sniff the fresh outside air without the smell of our saliva on our masks. I love all of you.
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