THANKS TO HEROES WHO MAKE SACRIFICES TO KEEP US SAFE

If there is anything that 2021 taught me, it is that predicting the future never works out.

This year has been transformational on many levels. I married my best friend in March, finished graduate school at the University of San Diego a few months later and became a U.S. permanent resident in November. I also pursued new career opportunities and committed myself to a disciplined Zumba workout routine — an exercise I never would have thought of doing if it weren’t for the pandemic.

But all of these opportunities, as I continue to remind myself, would never have happened if it weren’t for the heroes who have made and continue to make sacrifices for us. I think about the nurses and doctors who continue to care for us despite the rise of misinformation, the scientists spending late nights studying new variants like Omicron, and even the public servants tasked with making difficult public health decisions while hearing death threats and racial insults. Thanks to all their efforts, nearly 79 percent of Californians ages 5 and up are vaccinated, and in turn, are able to spend time with loved ones this holiday season. These are only some of the folks who deserve our utmost gratitude.

Another lesson I’ve learned this year is how precious our time is on Earth. I say this as a 24-year-old, but working from home has taught me the value of spending quality time with friends and family. Instead of spending mornings and afternoons in traffic, I’ve been able to help my in-laws with painting and other renovations around the house. And instead of comparing myself to my peers and feeling pressure to advance my career, I’ve learned to double down on my own personal and professional goals. Spending less time on social media has done wonders, and I encourage other young people to do the same. It is truly liberating to focus on your own health.

Again, all the lessons I’ve learned this year would not have been possible without the sacrifices of our fellow community members. It’s important to remind ourselves that while the pandemic has given many of us new opportunities, we cannot afford to be complacent. There have been over 52 million COVID-19 cases and more than 817,000 total deaths in the United States so far.

These are unbelievable numbers that we simply cannot overlook. Yes, it is tiring that we always have to worry about the latest variant or the possibility of a lockdown. But we live in a country that has produced some of the most effective vaccines in the world — all at no cost to receive. I often talk to my relatives in Asia and am always reminded of just how privileged I am to be fully vaccinated (and boosted).

After another year of triumph, pain and progress, let’s remind ourselves of what it means to be a responsible citizen and community member. Let’s continue to protect ourselves, and each other, on this long road to overcoming COVID-19.

There’s still plenty more work to do.

After another year of triumph, pain and progress, let’s continue to protect ourselves, and each other, on this long road to overcoming COVID-19. There is more work to do.