By Emily Jarecki

As we look back on the tumultuous year that was 2020, it's clear that no one could have predicted the ways in which the pandemic would affect our lives. The devastating loss of life, economic turmoil, and social upheaval were felt by everyone in some way. Yet, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there were those who found a silver lining, a chance for reflection and renewal.

Some people used the pandemic as an opportunity to pull back from the hustle and bustle of daily life and assess what is truly important. With the world on pause, we were forced to confront ourselves and our priorities. We had the chance to ask ourselves important questions: Who am I? What is important to me? What brings me joy?

As we adapted to a new normal, many of us found that we had more time on our hands. This gave us the space to explore new hobbies, interests, and passions. Whether it was baking bread, learning a new language, or starting a side hustle, we discovered that there was more to life than just work. We became more creative, more introspective, and more in touch with our true selves.

The pandemic also allowed us to see the world in a new light. We were forced to confront the stark inequalities that exist in our society, as well as the ways in which our own actions contribute to these problems. We were challenged to rethink our values and priorities and to consider how we might live more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Since 2020, we as a human race have continued to face many shifts—for women, our medicine, and our governments. As we move forward into 2023, we must take what we have learned with us. We must continue to prioritize our mental and emotional well-being and make time for the things that bring us joy. We must also be mindful of our impact on the world around us and work to create a more just and equitable society. We must not repeat the mistakes of our past, and for one, learn from our history.

2020 was a year none of us wanted, but for some of us, it was a year we needed. It was a year of reflection and renewal, a year that challenged us to be our best selves. Let us carry these lessons with us into the future, and let us never forget the ways in which the pandemic changed us for the better. More importantly, never forget, we... the people of the world, stood alone and came together to help one another.