Dear 2020...

"I've been thinking a lot about how I wanted to say this, but I think that it's time we break up. I've learned a lot about myself in the past 12 months we've spent together. It only took two months into our relationship for me to realize that I was falling for you; everything was going according to plan and I couldn't wait to spend more time with you. It wasn't until about three months in that I realized that it was all superficial. On the inside, you were possessive and didn't care how I felt. You wouldn't let me spend time with other people or doing the things I wanted to do because you just wanted me all to yourself. Looking back, the thought of it makes me sick. It hasn't been all bad though, in the time we spent alone together I was able to learn more about myself. I realized all of the things I had taken for granted and learned to appreciate them and love them with all my heart. Now, for the first time in nine months, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I will always love you, but I think it's healthier for both of us if we go our separate ways. Besides, I've found someone new, and their name is 2021."

"What a year this has been. I think that I reflect upon this year with a sense of gratitude. As I look back, I am reminded of the classic line from Our Town, 'Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it?' there is such wonder in the simplicity of life - and I think this year has showed us that we often take it for granted. I feel a collective newfound appreciation for life & everything in it. I think this year has allowed us to truly appreciate the beauty in everyday life, as well as find goodness in places we may not have searched before. Even more, we have learned to value the time that we spend with our loved ones and to appreciate our relationships with family members and friends. personally, this year has been a unique growth period - and for that I am grateful. But, I know also that this year has been one of tragedy and hardship for many people, and it is important to recognize that. Furthermore, I am grateful to have experienced such a beautiful coming together period within our country and across the globe in solidarity with the black lives matter movement - and to have had my eyes opened to a great deal. Finally, 2020, though we can find reasons to be grateful, we are ready to bid you farewell."

"What a long, strange year you have been. You started out as a seemingly normal year, little did I know what you had coming for me. When COVID hit the U.S. and everyone was sent into quarantine, I was filled with both excitement and confusion. As depressing as quarantine sometimes was, I found it to be quite beneficial. I was able to catch up on months of lost sleep and I got to work on schoolwork at my own pace. Quarantine was the best my mental health had been in years and it also helped me to really find myself. While there have been some positives to this year, there have also been some negatives. I feel like I have missed so many opportunities to do the things I love and spend time with the people I love. A large portion of this year has been rather disappointing and depressing, but I feel like it has really helped me to grow as a person. All of the hardships and difficult times during this year have made me much stronger and I truly have learned so many lessons. My final thoughts on 2020 can be summed up from a quote by Ariana Grande, 'Thank you, next.'"

"Let's start off with, this year has been rough! On top of everything being canceled (School, Clubs, Musicals, Plays, Concerts). Around May, my dad got a job promotion meaning that my family would be moving, again, all the way out here to Avon Lake Ohio. So, on top of starting high school, (I'm a freshman by the way) I started in the middle of a pandemic in a new state! So, yeah it's been a rough year and it's not over yet, but I'm trying to stay positive amid all of the not so great stuff thrown my way. I've met some great people, joined some cool clubs, and am enjoying Avon Lake so far. Here's to hoping for a better 2021."

"You really put us through it all this year. I remember after 2019, everyone was so excited for the next year. It was a new decade and everyone had high hopes. Then you just had to hit us with Covid. Crushed everyone's spirits and put everyone in quarantine. It has been one of the worst years of everyone's lives, we've never experienced anything like this. Honestly, I'm just glad 2020 is almost over. 2021 can't be any worse right? Right!?"

"You made this year especially hard. The increasing cases of COVID, lockdowns, and breaking news around the world have all been extremely difficult to deal with. Not to mention you made it hard for people to live normal lives. However, you gave me the chance to figure out my thoughts and choices for a moment. It helped me discover more about myself as a person. Now I have something to thank you for."

"You brought a lot of stress and worry. Along with stealing my softball season and normal everyday life. But, I have learned a lot and made myself learn how to focus on myself while making the best of what is happening around me. Overcoming the challenge is for sure an understatement."

"I'm really looking forward to you being over and starting new in 2021."