By Josh Lee, Staff Writer
Although 2020 has not exactly been sunshine and rainbows, there are still plenty of things to look back on that we can be thankful for.
Extra time for hobbies
Before the pandemic, many people found it difficult to balance fun with work. Many started assignments at the last minute due to anxiety and poor time management. However, we have plenty of spare time to spend on our hobbies and interests without sacrificing productivity.
“It feels great to get more time to be able to do work and still fit in things that I enjoy,” senior Bryan Thong said. “I’ve been able to start a proper workout routine and even learn how to dance. Other than the risk of the virus looming over our heads, there’s not really much downside to it.”
Enjoy it while you can because this will not last forever.
Distance learning
Remember when we had to get out of the house to go to school? Honestly, me neither. Most learning in the 2020-2021 school year occurs from home, and for many, it’s a brief break from the busy outdoors. Not only that, but it also makes it more convenient for those who do not live near school.
“Because it’s all on a laptop, we don’t have to worry about moving from classroom to classroom or being late to class,” junior David Rodas said. “I’m actually in New York right now because of family, so it’s been really convenient for me.”
Although we do miss out on school activities we can only do in person, it is definitely a lot easier to wake up and hop into class within five minutes without needing to worry about what to wear. We can also be thankful for the extra time after school and the shorter Fridays.
Growth of online communities
Have you ever wished that your favorite show or hobby had a bigger community? Since everyone spends more time at home, online communities have seen a dramatic increase in activity. Online art communities, especially those on social media platforms, have seen a great surge in growth, with artists and their followers interacting more than ever.
“As a growing artist, I’ve noticed a lot of growth in the Instagram art community,” junior Elaine Kwang said. “I follow art accounts like @blobbynfriends and @cheit.jpg, and they’ve been creating a lot more content since the beginning of quarantine. They make stuff like funny comics and supportive art that really helps people who are feeling down or anxious about themselves.”
Thanks to 2020, there are more people than ever to share and discuss your interests with.