Iris Loong - First Avenue Middle School
What was common to all of us in 2020? Ups and downs? Uncertainties and struggles? Hardship and challenges? Schools, restaurants, and offices were closed down. What could be worse? Everyone had to resort to doing everything from the comfort of their own homes. Many people have lost their jobs and sadly, their loved ones. It has truly been a rough year, but we can now finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. As things are opening back up, it gives us time to reflect.
We can all think back on what we’ve learned from these times and keep it with us, moving forward. For me, personally, I was amazed how everyone in my school can adapt quickly and switch to online learning when we knew that school wasn’t going to close for just two weeks. Former First Lady Michelle Obama has her own term for “Adapt”, called “Swerve”. This means that even when life throws something unexpected at you, adjust and march on. In this past year, I’ve learned to keep “swerving” and looking for a solution to every struggle instead of complaining. I have also learned to cherish the moments with our family and friends and to not take anything for granted. Let’s see what others think.
“I learned to be grateful and enjoy what we have at the moment because it can all quickly be taken away. Adapt to new things.” Emily C., a student at First Avenue shared. Another First Avenue student, Siddhi K. stated, “I have learned to adapt due to the different changes around us with COVID. I needed to adapt so that I could be comfortable with what's happening around me...”
Simran S., a student at Foothills shared, “The most important thing I learned with our current experience, was the importance of friends. Without my friends, going through this pandemic would have never been possible. My friends have given me the courage to know that we can't just sit around and wait for things to get back to normal. We have to make a move, and not have to regret that we didn't use these times for new opportunities.”
High School student from Azusa Hannah L. shared, “Balancing what you need to do and what is good for you (exercise, relaxation, work/homework) is very important. I learned to take breaks from social media and to do more creative things, such as arts and reading and being outdoors with nature. Moving forward, I will refrain from doing too many busy activities, instead focus on doing one or two things that bring more joy.”
Looks like the pandemic experience taught students to adapt, take care of themselves, and treasure friendships.
What about the adults in our community? I’ve had a chance to interview a local business owner, Renee Y., whose business was greatly impacted in the past year. She shared “The biggest takeaway for me through this pandemic is to appreciate everyone more and learn to be more adaptive. The world is ever-changing, and anything can happen at any moment; what will get us through, is each other and the people around us. Whether it is my family, friends, colleagues, or students, I have learned to see every one of these relationships with new perspectives and a more valuable and irreplaceable connection. Moving forward, I believe maintaining a balanced, positive outlook and good relationships with all the people around me will shape the new direction of my future.”
Indeed, people and relationships are far more important than academic achievement or money. There is always a silver lining in every challenging thing that happens in your life. I hope you will find your own silver lining in this pandemic as well.
