A look back at 2020

It is really easy for us all to look back on 2020, and just write it off as a bad year. The year of Corona, and social distancing. The year when everything we knew was turned upside down and challenges faced us every day. The year that being a couch potato was a-okay, and toilet paper went missing from the store shelves. However, I realized recently that although different and not ideal there is no need to write it off as a bad year. Truthfully some of the best memories I have are from this year. Some of the biggest opportunities were presented to me this year, and I saw so much personal growth in myself that I am beyond proud of. Sure 2020 was different, it taught us to expect the unexpected. However, it also was beautiful and made us all thankful for the small things in life. Here is my look back on 2020:

January: January was spent finishing my college applications, and hanging out with friends. I remember that there were many late nights spent studying at grocery stores, and early mornings. I ended up applying for what ended up being my dream major program. Looking back it was a month of smiles, laughter, and hard work.

February: To sum up February I think I would use the term, Viva la Vida. I went to Chicago to tour one school and ended up finding my dream college. I officially enrolled as a blue demon and was accepted into the law program that allows me to chase one of my biggest dreams. I went to the Dancing With The Stars tour twice and met some of my idols. I celebrated Valentine’s day with some amazing friends and even went to my first Blues game. I was able to go to a KU basketball game and started taking yoga classes learning the importance of putting myself first. Although I remember being extremely stressed out about the big decisions I had to make I had such a great support system and experienced so many amazing things. This was definitely one of my favorite months of the year.

March: I think almost everyone will agree that this was one of the hardest months. It started out great, I had started finalizing spring break plans, was excited about my future and spent a lot of time applying for scholarships, and even found the perfect prom dress. But then came the 13th, and cancellations. The spring break trip I had been planing got canceled and I had my last day of high school and in-person dance class without knowing it. However, looking back now, although it was hard to have everything put on hold it also gave me a chance to finally relax after a whirlwind senior year and some time to hang out with my family. Sure it was extremely hard, but it wasn’t all bad.

April: Did it even happen? Zoom school started, and I spent a lot of time outside taking classes. My friends and I facetimed all the time, and I started taking a lot more yoga classes (online of course). However, thinking back my favorite memory was probably when my family threw me an at-home prom complete with flowers, balloons, and so much more. The little moments became everything and although typical hangouts weren’t aloud never underestimate the power of a Jackbox game night.

May: I finished out high school, by helping out with a drive-through distribution day, and I got to see some of my best friends again (following covid protocols of course). Socially distanced car picnics became a thing, and my school hosted a graduation parade while we waited for the real thing. Everything started to look up and a fun summer started since lockdown was no longer as strict. Thinking about it now May gave me some of the best memories, and although not traditional, I know that one day, I will tell stories about my high school graduation parade, and drive-through distribution day.

June: I started back at work, and was able to see more of my friends. I attend a virtual orientation and officially became a Blue Demon. I started attending in-person yoga classes again and pushed myself out of my comfort zone. The highlight of the month however might have been introducing my dogs to pupachinos. June was filled with work, and graduation pictures, however after lockdown and senior year online it was everything that I needed and I wouldn’t change a second of it.

July: I may be biased because it is my birthday month, but isn’t July just always one of the best months of the year? I mean come on what can beat no school, summer heat, and fun. I finally got to graduate from high school and had my first school birthday. I danced in a sunflower field and spent some time on the original blog. I realized that blogging is something that I actually have an interest in, and spent some time researching it. July was a month where I achieved many of my goals. I officially became a high school graduate and turned 18. It was a big month and in a way made me realized I could do anything.

August: Just like the two before this one was also filled with work. I spent a lot of time with my work friends, making sonic runs, and eating snow cones. I made the hard decision of staying home for the fall quarter instead of going up to Chicago and said goodbye to my friends who went to campus. August went by so quickly however, it was the perfect end to the summer.

September: My first quarter of college started, and I loved every second of it. Even though it was from my basement and not Chicago. Even more importantly I got the amazing chance to become a part of Alpha Xi Delta and met some amazing women who have become some of my best friends. I was able to keep working and hanging out with my work friends and built new relationships at home and with other DePaul students even though we weren’t in the same cities. Although September was hard because so many of my friends left for school, and a lot of change took place I am so lucky that I was able to find the new support system in Alpha Xi Delta and was able to make such great friends.

October: The unofficial kick-off to the holiday season. October in full swing was busy with work, class, and so much more. Facetimes became a part of my morning routine as so many of my friends were far away, and I was able to learn how to be a bit more independent. Thinking back now, October was full of a lot of personal growth and learning how to be organized which is all going to help me this quarter and in the future.

November: To sum it up with one word it probably is pride. I finished my first quarter of college with a 4.0, I successfully completed my first set of finals, and took a few chances that successfully paid off. Oh, and I voted for the first time! November was the month that made me realize all the hard work from high school, and the months before in school paid off and I was able to do anything I set my mind to (okay I am getting cheesy I know).

December: My first Christmas break without Nutcracker, finals, and a million other things. I spent a lot of time working, but I also was able to see some close friends. I explored and went to the zoo and the aquarium. I started back up the blog and got to know some DePaul friends better. December was the perfect end to a year of firsts and change, and the break I needed before a busy winter quarter started.

Okay, yes this is 2020 looking back and thinking of the happier times. Sure I didn’t write about all the mental breakdowns, tears, and struggles. However, those were there too. Everything wasn’t bubblegum and fairies, however, corona couldn’t stop all the happy moments. 2020 was far from the traditional year. However, it is the year that allowed me to grow, and learn more about myself than I knew possible. Here is to 2021 a year full of little moments and millions of smiles!