By Osarennoma Ogbeide
Whew! 2020 has been a year right? At first most of us were wandering if it was all a trailer to the actual movie “2020” because it sure blew our minds. The truth can’t be hidden; this year has been associated with several synonyms- difficult, trying, tough, heart breaking, shocking, the list could go on.
It started with the uninvited wave of Covid 19, then the longest ever ASUU strike, struggle for justice and black lives up until fighting for a new Nigeria. The hiccups in between all these events coupled with personal struggles are substantial enough to give an average individual a mental or emotional breakdown.
We’ve been left with the responsibility of consoling ourselves and anticipating that our tomorrow will definitely be better than today. For me, I’ve been actively reminding myself that even with the difficult situations, there’s till a reason to smile somewhere, someway, somehow.
In light of this, I’m sending cheer to my fellow students who have been on compulsory holiday for over 9 months. I’m sending light to my course mates who if all things were equal, we ought to have graduated this month but for the known unknown that the Nigerian school system throws our way, we are still in 2018/2019 session in 2020. I’m sending love to those who have lost loved ones, possessions, time or anything they value this year. I’m sending light to employees and businesses who have been crippled by unfortunate stumbling blocks impeding progress.
One thing I can say is cheer up! Life gets better. The exhaustion from this year is very evident on our faces, even as a Nigerian student on compulsory holiday; I need a break from this break. Let’s not allow the blows of this year make us forget the little achievements we’ve made, the lives we’ve touched, the skills we’ve learnt, the time with family or new connections made. These are things we should be thankful for. If you can’t relate to any of these things on the list, no worries and no pressure, there’s still a month left in 2020. By December 31st, you should have something you’re happy 2020 brought your way that you can hold on to.
Remember, were exhausted yes, but definitely not defeated.
