For many people, 2020 has felt like walking into an unexpected fire. Similar to most New Years, we all had high expectations for 2020. We were inspired, motivated, and had every intention to better ourselves individually.
We hoped our desire to show up new and improved would allow us to become better citizens, better partners in all our current relationships (and the new ones we may form), and allow us to focus on matters that are bigger than any of us individually. However, the events of this unconventional, extremely isolating, self-reflective year has proven that while operating without 2020 vision is the “safe” and less problematic route, operating with 2020 vision produces insurmountable, unimaginable, necessary change.
Before knowing the catastrophic events that would ensue in 2020, we were in love with the idea of newness, the type of newness that only occurs at the start of a new year. Unfortunately, 2020 newness looked very different. So before we throw 2020 in the trash (because that is where it belongs) it’s important to reflect on the few positives that occurred in this problematic year.
The good, the great, and the not so ugly…
in other words, science and women did not disappoint.
#1. The world's first mRNA vaccine was made in less than a year.
#2. Kamala Harris becomes the first female vice president. Nothing more needs to be said.
The United States will have its first-ever female vice-president, and she's a woman of color. Amid a year full of immense racial tension, the United States is finally taking a major, much-needed step forward.
#3. DeepMind solves 50-year-old protein folding problem.
By use of artificial intelligence (AI) network developed by Google AI offshoot, DeepMind has made 3D protein shapes from its amino-acid sequence.
#4. Beavers build their first dam in four centuries.
The National Trust released beavers into the wild in January, After facing extinction in England four-hundred years ago, beavers in Scotland relocated to Exmoor, settled down and chewed up a few trees to assemble a dam.
#5. Women support women by participating in virtual activism in the fight against femicide in Turkey.
#ChallengeAccepted post made its way all over social media as female celebrities posted a black and white photo of themselves to bring awareness to this important issue.
#6. Enzymes eat through plastics.
Plastic waste is choking the planet, but researchers at the University of Toulouse: have found a mutant bacterial enzyme that will happily chew through it all.
#7. Protest against police brutality ensued following the tragic deaths of Geroge Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery.
There is no denying that the United States has a long history of racial injustice, prejudice, and discrimination. 2020 brought a lot of these issues to the surface, and lead to millions of Americans protesting for equality for all people, regardless of an individual’s skin color.
#8. Yvonne Dixon, a former nurse fights to close the racial gap in healthcare.
Resources that can help:
Watch Tik Tok! It’s a great way to support creatives and to momentarily take your mind off life stressors.
Work on developing yourself by reading After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self-Love a novel by Alex Elle, a self-love advocate and freelance writer.
Download the app Headspace! After the year we’ve all had, it’s important to take time for ourselves. Don’t feel bad for needing a break or for taking a moment to simply recharge.
Upcoming WITI Events:
Visit WITI Events to find out about the exciting events WITI has to offer in 2021