While the year of 2020 has had its downfalls, there are many positives. So much so that people fail to realize that there have actually been an abundance of good ramifications. One thing that was especially good that came out of 2020 was the COVID-19 vaccine. Since March, the United States’ COVID-19 cases have been rising drastically. With the extraordinary efforts of scientists, there is finally a vaccine. Although not many people have been able to receive it just yet, it is still nice to know that hopefully sometime in the future, this pandemic will be over. 

Another good thing that came out of 2020 was the highest voter turnout in 120 years. No matter which side you stand on, it is good that a lot of people are getting out and casting their vote, especially considering we are in the middle of a pandemic. Voting is a very important thing to do because it is an opportunity for change and the community depends on it. 

“This summer I got my drivers license, so I was able to spend time with friends more and do more fun things,” Freedom Area High School student Sara Mengel said. 

Although it may not seem like it to some people, online school is a positive as well. Even if it’s difficult at times, the teachers have been there to help. Nobody expected this pandemic to happen and the teachers are trying their best to help their students through this hard time. Teachers have feelings too, so online school may not be making them too happy either, but at the moment it’s the safest way to get education without also spreading COVID-19.

“A positive of my 2020 would be that I got unemployment, which isn’t all that great, but I got 7,000 dollars out of it which really helped me,” junior Riggs Walden said.

Throughout this pandemic, so many essential workers have been working hard to keep everything going, especially those who are in the healthcare field. Many doctors and nurses have been working unbelievably hard and saving the lives of those who have been infected with COVID-19 every day. 

Don’t forget about those who have been delivering everyone’s packages! There are many mailmen and women who are out there delivering peoples mail every day. Having those mailmen and women are very important in this pandemic because when it’s not safe to go out in public, having your package shipped right to your door is very convenient. 

While Freedom was shut down, the cafeteria workers stepped up to help with meals. The district provided students with free meals, and the cafeteria workers prepared all of those meals and distributed them for anyone who needed them. 

Most likely, this pandemic will slowly start to end, thanks to all of the scientists, doctors and other workers out there fighting every day. Hopefully everything returns to normal soon. Even though it can be very hard, it is important to look for the good in things in life during times like these.