A Look back at 2020

Rachel Jewett

Dec 17, 2020

5 min read

Did you know Youtube decided not to do their year in review this year because so many bad things happened? Now I will not argue with that - I mean remember back in January before we had any idea what the Corona Virus was, Australia was ON FIRE. But the point of this blog is not to dwell on the awful things that happened or drudge up what we could learn from it, its to highlight the awesome things that did happen. I want to focus on the pieces we should bring with us to 2021. Let's be honest everyone: 2021 is not magic, it will not fix everything that broke in 2020 but the new year always brings a sense of renewal - so lets run with it.

First off I freaking graduated college! That is pretty cool. Have I done anything directly relatable to my degrees? Questionable. Have I used my college education? Absolutely. I may not be acting currently, but I could go on and on about how the skills I learned in my acting class make me a better human being or how they are applicable to all sorts of jobs. Same with all the knowledge I have from my film classes. But college is more than the degree specific material - a college education taught me how important balance is, how to advocate for myself and others, how to write and deliver an educated argument and so much more. Things I learned or experienced in college come up every day. So just because the title of my degree doesn't match my current job, doesn't mean something is wrong. HEAR THAT FOR YOURSELF TOO. The title of your degree does not have to match the title of your job for you to be successful.

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Going into 2021 I want to believe the statement above and scream it to my fellow graduates. And, I want to find more ways to apply the niche things I know because of what I studied in school - you should try too.

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Secondly my acting cohort had showcase class and a day of grad school auditions. We spent the last 4 yrs being emotionally and physically vulnerable at 8am together and it culminated into this class where we were constantly pushing and encouraging each other to be our best. For grad school auditions, four of us girls got a weird airbnb and made a little trip out of it! Our cohort spent the day warming up and supporting each other. We are a unique group and I think truly care about each other.

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As 2021 rolls in, I am set on not losing touch with these people and continuing to see where life takes them. Who do you want to reconnect with in 2021? It is never too late to talk to an old friend.

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Thirdly I spent tons of 2020 with my children! Miss Nola and Mr. Leo and Nate, and now Miss Evelyn! (not my actual children haha) Going on park adventures and library dates and reading so many stories and singing so many songs. Each child I care for whether its a month, a semester, or a year, become my kids. They brought me smiles and stress relief this year.

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As I venture into 2021 I hope that Evelyn and I bond even more and that the year brings more kids...maybe even some that speak French. To all of you - don't forget what being a child is like, as you jump into the new year go with a childlike wonder and eagerness to learn new things and discover what the world has in store.

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Fourthly...is that a word? oh well...thank the LORD we got spring break before this pandemic started. The spontaneous decision to call out from all work and responsibilities and jump in a car with 4 boys for a week long spring break in the Bay Area is one of the best decisions I've made. I am a very responsible person but sometimes making a gut decision to take the adventurous route is necessary.

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This adventure and spontaneity is something I must carry into 2021 and challenge you to do the same! Little adventures everywhere.

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Five Golden Rings...(I am not as funny as I think I am huh)...because of the stay at home order my roommates and I decided that each day we needed a reason to get dressed. Every day there was a theme and they ranged from cute to crazy. This kept us sane and entertained.

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I want to have this random fun in 2021. Everyone should do silly things with friends just for the fun of it, there is a time to be serious, buts its not all the time!

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SomethingSix (It's a Jewett thing)...I did not think I would get to spend this much time with my family in post-grad life. A summer in the desert was hot, but it was a gift to spend quality pool days with my little brothers, bonding time with my sister, and all the family dinners.

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Regardless of where I am in the country or the world in 2021 I want to make family time - even Facetimes a priority and I encourage you to do the same. There is a lot to take away from this pandemic but one that stands out to me is the importance of family.

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and on the Seventh day we rest (okay I need stop trying lol). I fell in love. Like real love. It happened like one of those movies where the girl is oblivious but the guy is totally into her and they are best friends and they don't tell each other at the same time but eventually in the end they figure it out and fall in love. Like that Hannah Montana song, "If we were a movie you'd be the right guy, and I'd be the best friend you'd fall in love with...". I could write forever about him and us, telling the whole story, talking about our facetime dates, and Sunday meetups, how amazing of a guy he is, and all the ways I love him, but I won't go into all that here....

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Can 2020 really been deemed the worst year if it brought me the love of my life? I don't think so. And what do I want to take to 2021...um him! And to all of you - love comes in all shapes and sizes and types (see my "pringle" blog post for more on that) As you head into 2021 where can you find more love? Where can you give more love: To a significant other, a neighbor, a coworker, a family member, or friends. Let's truly fill the world with God's love for each individual human being this coming year.

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2020 did some damage; to our country, our world, our hope. But it also did some good; 2020 forced us to stand up for one another, call out the problems, sacrifice for strangers, and find hope that things would get better. 2020 is unique because it wasn't just something one person experienced but an entire generation of people went through the joys and the traumas of 2020.

*Don't forget*

Hamilton on Disney Plus saved the beginning of July

Taylor Swift dropping Folklore saved the end of July

The election ending the way it did gave November hope

Taylor Swift dropping Evermore saved December