Open Book: The Best And Worst Of 2021
Celebrating (And Not) A Rollercoaster Of A Year
By Anya Nitczynski
For the GPHN
What a year. No, really. What a year. We’ve been saying that for the past couple of years, and we probably will continue to say it in the coming years. For now, let’s focus on this one.
To close out this very long (and somehow incredibly short) year, I’ve compiled a list of my personal top three best takeaways — and my top three worst takeaways — from 2021.
To start things off with a bang, on Jan. 6 our nation’s Capitol was assaulted and trashed. That goes in the worst column. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the feeling of watching the news and freaking out in the middle of virtual math class.
The mention of “virtual math class” brings me to my first best thing (which is also a worst thing) of the year: in-person learning. One thing I struggled with while trying to put this year into words was deciding whether the things I chose go on the “good” list or the “bad” list. In-person learning was probably the hardest one to decide on.
I went back to in-person school in March. The ability to get out of the house and see my friends was a game changer for me. But it also meant less leeway on assignments, earlier school starting times, more homework, and a huge transition from zero social interaction to a whole day’s worth.
Not long before school let out, another best thing happened to me. I got vaccinated. I was able to feel safer while out and about, I got to see some members of my family for the first time in a while, and so much more. Enough said? I think so.
One recurring theme from these past couple of years has been division. This year, so many things felt polarized that shouldn’t be. Nonpartisan issues turned partisan. I witnessed so much hate this year, and that needs to make the worst list. We can all do better.
One place I’ve witnessed this hate was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my entire life. This summer I volunteered at the Safe Outdoor Space in the parking lot of the Montview Presbyterian Church/Temple Micah. The people I’ve met there and the friends I’ve made have genuinely changed my life. I look up to them, and they’re some of the kindest and most selfless people I’ve ever met.
Another worst was the ever-present threat of those who didn’t get vaccinated. It’s been scary, not being able to tell who I can feel most safe around and experiencing the disappointment that comes with events being canceled because of people who refuse to get vaccinated.
Overall, 2021 was a rollercoaster. Goods and bads, ups and downs. I am forever grateful to the people who got me through this year (and a special shoutout to Taylor Swift for being one of those people and releasing two albums this year. Thank you, queen.)
Anya Nitczynski is a freshman at Denver School of the Arts. Her column appears monthly in these pages.