It’s been a year since the world went on lockdown, so what have we learned? There is no doubt that the past year has included many major and life-altering events that will leave us with some interesting stories to tell our kids and grandkids. Though, what is a story without a lesson or something to take away from it?

The year started with a few tragic events, including the tensions between the United States and Iran, the Australian brush fires, and Kobe Bryant’s death. From this, we learned that we should not take the things we have for granted. After all, we are able to experience peace without war, whether against nature or other countries, and are able to have role models to look up to. However, these first months taught us that those things can disappear unexpectedly. Though, these months could be considered pretty mild compared to what the rest of the year had in store. 

By the end of February, things took a turn for the worst. COVID-19 was impacting a lot of the globe and began to intensify. March approached and only fueled the flame as the virus turned into a global pandemic.

During this time, each person experienced a different reality. Some people were faced with the severe challenges of COVID, whether they were dealing with the virus themselves or being concerned about a family member who contracted the virus. On the flip side, many saw this time as simply an inconvenience and tried their best to make the most of it since they were trapped in their house for an extended period of time. Either way, we were able to adapt and practice our flexibility which played an important role in getting us to the year anniversary we are at currently. 

April followed and many people were back to work and school, thanks to the creativity and problem-solving of many. These environments moved to an online platform which allowed people to complete their tasks or assignments from home. Though this was not the only point of the year where we had to be creative and solve a lot of problems, it was definitely an important one. We were able to use this solution to keep the country moving and functioning which not only showed the importance of being creative but also what we needed to focus on to make it through the pandemic: stabilizing the economy and remaining flexible while reducing the effects of the virus. 

By May, many were eager to get out of the house and for everything to reopen. So, some attempts to reopen were made, but each area was affected differently. Some places stayed open with no problem, while some places got shut down just a month later due to a second wave of the virus. There was no single solution for every area of the globe or even the country, but we were able to remain flexible to adapt to the changing effects of the virus. 

May concluded with a controversial event when a man named George Floyd died while in police custody. Many protests and riots ensued and created an even bigger divide between the American people. Since 2020 was an election year, political tensions and opinions were already present, but this event fueled those opinions and created a lot of conflicts that would carry past the election. The many protests and riots that took place did not always turn out the best or as intended, but they did show the fighting spirit that the American people possess. Though that can have its bad sides to it, it has also allowed us to pursue a solution to the pandemic and anticipate the arrival of normal once again. 

The remainder of the year could be seen as pretty tame compared to the first few months, but the fight did not stop just because half the year was over. During this time, COVID-19 cases and deaths were still climbing and a push for a vaccine began to grow. But the rest of the year seemed to go by at a steady rate. We overcame some more challenges and got to the point that we are at now, the year anniversary since this all began.

All in all, the past year has taught us a lot. Not only did it stretch us to our limits, but it also taught us the importance of being flexible, creative, and determined. It has also taught us the possibilities of our virtual system. Prior to the pandemic, a lot depended on face-to-face interaction. Now, we are able to do a lot of things from home or in a contactless manner, such as purchasing groceries, working, and even learning. So, taking this flexible and creative mindset from the past year and focusing it on the years ahead will allow us to be more successful.

Disclaimer: Articles designated as “Editorial” represent the views and opinions of the author, not the 2020-2021 Periscope staff, CHS/CASD administration, or the CHS student body.