By: Mailynn Lam
Most generations can be characterized by a few major historical events which occur during their formative years—the cohort of “boomers” born from 1946-64, for instance, gets its all too familiar label from the post-WWII baby boom. On the other hand, Generation Z, whose members were born between 1997 and 2012, have been made special through their initial and widespread access to newfound digital technology. While growing up in a decade filled with smartphones and social media is impactful enough, the course of 2020 has contributed a multitude of additionally significant events to this generation’s early lifetime. In reflecting on this turbulent past year, a unique understanding can be achieved by taking a look through the eyes of Gen Z.
General Event Timeline of 2020-
January-
NBA legend Kobe Bryant and others killed in a helicopter crash; tensions b/tw Iran& US after death of Iranian major general Qasem Soleimani; First reported COVID Case in U.S.
February-
Australian wildfires; impeachment of Donald Trump; Harvey Weinstein’sconviction; shooting of Ahmaud Arbery; Super Bowl hosted in Miami; Parasite makes history at Oscars; Flight ban on China
March-
Pandemic lockdown, SAT/ACT, FL state, & Cambridge testing cancellations-Mar. 11: WHO declares COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic.
April-
Murder Hornets arrive in U.S.; rumors Kim Jong Un is dead; stimulus checkscome in; school is cancelled for the remainder of the year
May-
Hong Kong protests resume; AP Collegeboard testing chaos
June-
George Floyd death and Black Lives Matter protests take off-George Floyd died on May 25th, but a video showing the incident sparks anoutcry throughout the nation and BLM protests take off… quarantine contributesto the large numbers of crowds
July-
BLM Protests continue, Corona Virus cases begin to spike
August-
Beirut, Lebanon explosion; Chadwick Boseman’s death; West Coast wildfires;NBA playoffs begin through
September-
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death, hurricane count exceeds list of names & beginsusing greek alphabet, K-12 failure-
October-
Trump gets COVID, In person learning resumes in schools across the U.S.
November-
2020 Presidential Election, Trump vs. Biden- Biden becomes presidential elect; ps5 release; Amy Coney Barrett sworn into Supreme Court, MDCPS cancelled for Tropical Storm Eta
December-
Covid Vaccine announcements, Holiday plans and events cancelled nation wide
Although 2020 has been a year like no other, it has simply proved the resilience and adaptability of the rising generation. These past couple of months were supposed to be filled with rights of passages and valuable memories but instead were plagued with stay at home orders and chaos. Although these changes have been difficult for many, this past year has taught lessons more valuable than those that would have been without the mayhem. 2020 is a year that will never be forgotten, and although it was riddled with pandemonium, it has shown us what is truly valuable and what is to be cherished. Cheers to 2021!
The Watchdog 