Welcome to a New Year with Challenges and Hope

As we turn the page to 2021, it is clear that the year 2020, although harrowing, saw significant progress in several areas. The world was grappling with the pandemic, which has changed the way we live our lives. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals and scientists, the pandemic raged on, claiming lives and causing unprecedented economic hardship. The year 2020 will be remembered not only for its losses but also for the incredible resilience of humanity and the strides made in health science.

The Pandemic: A Timeline and Its Impact

On the off chance that I am being critical, I am still optimistic about the future. However, it's important to scrutinize the methods and measures taken during the pandemic. Private businesses faced significant challenges as lockdowns and restrictions led to a near-stagnation of many industries. Lockdowns, while necessary, have taken a toll, particularly on small businesses that struggle to stay afloat in such an environment. The cycle of sending individuals to the brink of bankruptcy due to restrictive measures is not sustainable for individuals and communities.

Personal Struggles and Lessons Learned

One of the hardest parts of 2020 for me was the constant reminder that illness and death continue. Sadly, I had to witness the passing of several friends' parents this year. Cancer has taken four lives this year, and only one friend unfortunately lost a loved one to COVID-19. This year has vividly shown me the importance of the scientific community sharing information and resources to achieve breakthroughs. It is heartening to see the rapid development of several vaccines thanks to international scientific collaboration.

One of the driving forces behind the accelerated vaccine development has been the unprecedented sharing of knowledge across the globe. Scientists have broken down barriers to work together more effectively, which is a lesson we must all learn from. This unprecedented level of cooperation should not be limited to just one disease. It should be a model for how we approach other health crises in the future.

Goals and Aspirations for 2021

My hopes and dreams for 2021 are simple yet profound: to be financially stable, to sell more books, and to have an improved quality of life. My top priority is to ensure that everyone can receive the COVID-19 vaccine so we can return to a semblance of normalcy. This means fewer masks, fewer restrictions, and the reopening of places like Universal Studios that I so greatly anticipate.

New Home and Broader Aspirations

As we look ahead to 2021, it's also important to acknowledge the global disparity in living standards. More than 1.89 billion people, nearly 36% of the world's population, live in extreme poverty. Many face daily struggles, including a lack of basic necessities and corruption in political systems. It is crucial that we, as a global community, do not leave anyone behind.

Beyond personal aspirations, I hope to achieve my dream of having a home for my family. I remember the difficulties of living in a small, narrow, and dilapidated wooden house, where one space had to serve as a bedroom, a living area, and the kitchen. Water leaks and broken walls made life difficult, especially during the rainy season. This year, I will work harder to make my dreams come true and share my hopes with those in less fortunate situations. Let us strive to create a world where everyone can have a roof over their head and the essentials for a decent life.

Our world is full of challenges and opportunities. In 2021, let us focus on cooperation, resilience, and hope. Together, we can make 2021 a year of recovery and progress.