I find it ironic that as the ball dropped signifying the start of 2020, everyone cheerfully celebrated what was supposed to be the best year yet. I find this ironic because no one knew all the chaos in the world that would soon follow. Covid, fires, and many important deaths are among the many tragic events that have taken place this year. On a personal level, this year gave me sadness over not having a regular prom, not getting to go to the Taylor Swift concert I had tickets for, not knowing whether I would have a soccer season or not, having online classes, and having a senior year without any of the fun traditions. Through the challenges everyone endured, I believe that the beginning of the decade has been a period of growth and learning for all. Even with all the hardships, 2020 has been the year that if I told my nine year old self about she would be the most proud of me. We could choose to dwell on the parts of the year that were not so good, or we could celebrate the moments that gave us a glimpse of hope in a time of uncertainty. I encourage everyone to look back on this year and remember five good moments that they had. Here is a list of my five good moments (in no particular order):

Winning the HHC Championship with the best soccer team I could ask for
After months of not knowing whether we would be able to have a soccer season, we were finally able to play. I thought finally being able to play was the best feeling ever, until we beat Columbus East in the HHC Championship. As the announcer counted down the final seconds of the game, I could not hold back the tears that came gushing out. This was a big deal for the team because it was the first time in 23 years that the Lady Owls had been the winner of that title. It was the moment I realized that all the sacrifices, hours put in, tears cried, and pain endured had really been worth it. I would do anything to go back and relive that day because it is one of the best moments of my entire life.

 Finding a college that was right for me and committing to play soccer
This year I was able to make a college decision. It was not an easy decision to make, but it is one that I am very happy with. I committed to play soccer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. I know that my younger self would be very proud of this huge accomplishment.

 Taylor Swift released two surprise albums
Anyone who knows me knows that I am the biggest Taylor Swift fan. That is why it is no surprise that her releasing two albums is one of the best moments of my 2020. I love folklore and evermore by the way.

I discovered what I truly want to do with my future
After taking online classes that I hated, I realized that I no longer wanted to be a physical therapist like I had always thought. I came to the conclusion that I really wanted to be an English teacher. I am so happy that with the help of everyone I talked to about the matter, I was able to find my true passion. I was even able to do Work Based Learning in a 6th grade English classroom this year, and they are the best kids ever.

I had a one year (and 1.5 year) anniversary with my boyfriend
Although I was not able to see my boyfriend for about a month at the start of quarantine, our relationship was able to survive. Having a relationship in 2020 has not been easy, but it has been so worth it. We even got to go to prom together this year! Not only am I thankful for him, but also his family. This year, I was able to grow closer to his family. I am so thankful to have an extra family that loves me just as much as my own.

Although this year is not what anyone expected, it is important to remember the good moments it put into our lives. 2020 will be talked about for decades to come, and it is important to remember the good aspects. Quarantine was not what anyone was expecting, but it provided so much time for family bonding. 2020 was a year of growth, and I am excited to see how everyone can build upon it in 2021. I am personally excited for all the changes that will be happening in 2021 as I graduate and head off to college. Above anything else, be proud that you made it through 2020. It was a strange year.