The past many months have been ones of great loss, uncertainty and change. In dealing with a global pandemic, a fight for racial justice, an economic downturn and a record-breaking snowstorm – our community has definitely been through a lot! Though perhaps, through it all, we have found a few gifts. The EDGEMONT YOUTH PRESS team wanted to take this opportunity to share some of our reflections on the past year.
We have built a new definition of leadership. Healthcare providers, grocery store clerks, bus drivers, other essential workers and volunteers have finally been recognized with heroic status. The most successful government, public health and community leaders are those that have led with empathy, kindness and compassion. We have witnessed the incredible advancement of science and technology. Personal protective equipment, social distancing, Zoom, Pfizer and Moderna are not only new vocabulary, but also the culmination of years of research, innovation and hard work. We have become advocates for equity and justice. By bringing racially motivated violence and the disproportionate effect of COVID-19 on marginalized communities to the forefront of public discussion, we are beginning to fight the long road ahead. We have been forced to slow down. We have re-evaluated the people, places, and activities that bring the most fulfillment to our lives. We have expressed deep gratitude. – Asha
The hardships, uncertainties and unexpected circumstances of this past year have left a mark on us all, but have also shown us so many instances of kindness, compassion and gratitude. Despite being physically apart, we have still found ways to connect with each other and express the warmth within our hearts. We’ve all shared in the challenges that COVID-19 has presented throughout this past year, and we’ve all struggled through it together, navigating our way through it one small step at a time. These small acts of kindness have meant so much throughout this pandemic, as friends, neighbours and even strangers have reached out to each other in unconventional ways. – Emily
Over the past year, I learned just how resourceful and innovative we are in our everyday lives. The pandemic and the first lockdown came into effect very quickly, leaving many people scrambling to set up home offices, teachers switching their materials and tests to be online and students adjusting to a new environment. Even though we couldn’t come together physically this year, so many people worked together and collaborated to help people get what they needed for success. I have truly appreciated the goodwill and kindness of our community this year, and realized that although we are not together physically, we are still able to connect socially. -Jamil
Something that has remained a constant throughout the chaos of the past year is my appreciation for friends and family. COVID-19 has made it abundantly clear that taking away our ability to physically hug each other cannot take away from our ability to socially connect. It has been a year of intention with checking in on those we care for more often and prioritizing the health and safety of others by doing our part to flatten the curve. I will be forever grateful for the health and safety of not only my friends and family, but also strangers around the world because after all it’s our empathy and selflessness that is saving lives. – Khushi
I wish for communities to rebuild and strengthen their resolve despite the damage COVID-19 may have caused. From our residential communities, like Edgemont, to our school or workplaces, I hope that we can find reasons to come together and celebrate our resilience. During the pandemic, we have seen our communities come together. Some people volunteered their time, purchasing groceries and helping each other quarantine; many wore masks and social distanced to slow the spread. Most stayed connected through non-physical means. If we can extend a hand whenever possible, take steps to keep others safe and remain connected in other ways, I am optimistic our community will bounce back together. – William
My wish for this coming year is that others, and myself, will go outside more and go on more adventures. This past year was one of staying inside and waiting for instruction. My hope is that people in Edgemont will go outside more and enjoy the sunshine, rainstorm, snowfall, or light breeze because everything in nature should be appreciated for what it is this year. – Erika
From all of us here at the EDGEMONT YOUTH PRESS, we thank all of you, our neighbours, for your resilience, your kindness and you compassion over the past year. Here’s to the next months and years being ones of community, good health, hope, peace, and happiness!