It is easy to look back to this year and think about the hardships that we have all faced- from the struggle to fight for the #BlackLivesMatter movement to the lives lost because of COVID. The year 2020 has affected all of us one way or another. All students have been attending classes online and mostly everyone have been quarantining. Despite the numerous things that have happened, I believed there was still a light behind all the darkness. I've always believed in the saying "Everything happens for a reason". Although I would prefer the pandemic to not have happened, I would say that it has made me more mentally strong and more grateful.

Throughout the pandemic, I realized many things about myself. I've discovered new parts of myself as I started spending more time by myself. I started reflecting on my past experiences and decisions. I've questioned myself a few times. I've cried many times. However, at the end, I could say that this year was very much needed. It shed some light into my inner-self and what makes me who I am. Although I have more to explore, I would say that I've come to peace with who I've become and how much I've changed.

I know we all want to forget that 2020 happened; however, we should take into consideration how the year has really affected us. How much have you changed? How has your routine changed? What things have helped you cope with this pandemic? What has deeply affected you and how have you dealt with your struggles or hardships? These are some questions you can ask yourself as the year is ending. I know, this year was not easy- it was not easy for any of us. However, there is some comfort knowing that maybe 2020 has taught us more than any other year. Maybe it has taught us to stay grateful for the smaller moments. Maybe it has strengthened our relationships with our family members. Maybe it taught us to stay hopeful.

It is okay to feel all the bad and all the good. 2020 wasn't easy and it is important to feel all that you need to feel, then finally let it go. As the new year begins, let's all thank our friends and family. Let's thank ourselves for staying so strong during this tough time. Let's reflect and let's feel our emotions. Let's walk into 2020 with hope.