2020 was a year that many would like to forget, but for me, it's a year that will remain etched in my memory forever. It was a year of both highs and lows, a year of challenges and triumphs, of heartbreak and hope. Here's my personal account of the year that was.
A New Year, A New Decade
As the clock struck midnight on December 31st, 2019, I was filled with hope and excitement for the new year and new decade ahead. Little did I know what was about to unfold.
The Pandemic Hits
In March, the world as we knew it came to a screeching halt as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe. Lockdowns, social distancing, and mask-wearing became the new norm. It was a scary and uncertain time for everyone.
Working From Home
As offices closed and businesses shut down, many of us were forced to adapt to a new way of working. Working from home became the norm, and while it had its challenges, it also had its perks.
The Black Lives Matter Movement
The murder of George Floyd in May sparked a global movement for racial justice and equality. The Black Lives Matter protests dominated the headlines for weeks, shining a light on the systemic racism that still exists in our society.
The US Presidential Election
The US Presidential Election was one of the most divisive in history, with tensions running high on both sides. In the end, Joe Biden emerged as the winner, and Kamala Harris made history as the first woman and person of color to be elected as Vice President.
Australia's Bushfires
At the start of the year, Australia was ravaged by one of the worst bushfire seasons in history. The fires destroyed homes, wildlife, and ecosystems, and left many communities devastated.
The Beirut Explosion
In August, a massive explosion ripped through the port of Beirut, killing over 200 people and injuring thousands more. The blast was caused by a stockpile of ammonium nitrate that had been left unsecured for years.
The Olympics Postponed
The 2020 Olympics, scheduled to take place in Tokyo in July, were postponed due to the pandemic. It was the first time in history that the games had been delayed.
The Zoom Boom
With social distancing measures in place, video conferencing platform Zoom became the go-to for virtual meetings, happy hours, and even weddings. It was a lifeline for many, but also highlighted the downsides of being constantly connected.
The SpaceX Launch
In May, SpaceX launched its first manned mission to the International Space Station, marking a new era of space travel. It was a reminder that even in the midst of a pandemic, humanity can still achieve incredible things.
Virtual Learning
The pandemic forced schools and universities to switch to virtual learning, with mixed results. While it provided access to education for many who might not have had it otherwise, it also highlighted the digital divide and the challenges of remote learning.
The California Wildfires
California was hit by a series of devastating wildfires in 2020, fueled by a combination of high temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds. The fires destroyed homes and businesses, and forced thousands to evacuate.
The Death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
In September, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away, leaving a vacancy on the court and sparking a contentious nomination process.
The Vaccine Rollout
In December, the first COVID-19 vaccines were approved and began to be rolled out around the world. It was a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak year, and a reminder that science and innovation can help us overcome even the toughest challenges.
The Beirut Blast Anniversary
On August 4th, 2021 it will be a year since the explosion in Beirut. The Lebanese are still struggling to recover from the disaster. Thousands of people are still homeless, while the country is facing a severe economic crisis and political turmoil.
Conclusion
2020 was a year that tested us in ways we never could have imagined. It was a year of loss and grief, but also of resilience and hope. As we look back on the year that was, let's remember the lessons we learned and the strength we found, and let's carry that with us as we move forward into a brighter future.
