By Isabella Gaitan
A pandemic, protests, a presidential election, and everything else that has made 2020 a year that we will never forget. The turn of a new decade felt significant- and it definitely was, however, 2020 is finally coming to an end. With the new year approaching, there’s a sense of relief that the worst might be behind us. Even though things won’t change overnight, we can only be optimistic for what is to come. We can bring what we’ve learned into the new year while leaving behind everything that made this year so “special”. With the New Year creeping up close, here are some things that are a must and a bust for 2021.
Must: Keeping your masks on.
We all know that wearing a mask for hours on end is not fun, but it’s also not impossible. Keep your mask on for the safety of yourself and others. They work best to prevent the virus when everyone is wearing one. Taking “breathing breaks” is a great way to feel less overwhelmed, but wearing your masks is one of the smallest things that we can do to stay safe. Being responsible and smart is key currently, so hopefully we don’t have to keep this new mask tradition up in the coming years.
Bust: Parties
Come on, now. It’s hard being stuck inside the house alone, especially at this time of the year. Personally, I haven’t hung out with my friends in over 6 months. That’s why it sends me into a silent rage whenever I see people risking the health of themselves and others for a 20-person party where they can play Reggaeton over a loudspeaker. Keep any gatherings small, talk to people over the phone, and dance with your dog if it means keeping yourself and those around you safe.
Must: Self Care
Honestly, there are bigger things to worry about than your SAT scores at times. The current state of the world is taking a massive toll on people’s mental health. Take the time to relax, and step away from anything causing you stress. Make sure that you’re prioritizing yourself and check up on those around you to make sure that they’re also doing ok.
Bust: TikTok Drama
I heard two weeks’ worth of discourse about the D’Amelio sisters not eating escargot. Let’s focus on holding people accountable for something bigger. There are so many things going on around us right now that we do not have to be worrying about what people with “faux fame” are doing with their lives.
The Watchdog 