At first glance, the past year seems to have been ridden with havoc and despair. The world saw a multitude of terrorist attacks and mass shootings. Disease and inclement weather took the lives of many. Much of the country mourned the results of a presidential election. Indeed, by the end of the year, our country appeared to be more divided than like-minded. Some coined it the worst year ever — and they may not have been far off — but I’d like to think the strife of 2016 has not left us completely broken.
I empathize with John Oliver’s frustration regarding the past year. One of his final segments from 2016, for example, was a compilation of strangers saying, “F—k you, 2016!” But returning to Grounds for the start of spring semester has given me hope. With classes beginning and students coming back to U.Va., I’m reminded of the underappreciated benefits which come out of times of distress.
Most students arrived on time for their first class in well-planned outfits. I, however, scrambled to get there. I ungracefully sprinted to my first lecture in a ripped sweatshirt and leggings that I’d been sleeping in for a week, working up a sweat. I thought of the awkward connection between my appearance and the subject of my first class, Public Policy Problems of the 21st Century. Both appeared to be in shambles.
Of course I was late — everyone knows all too well to never expect punctuality from me. Having caught my breath, I related my lack of energy from a routine tardiness to the dispassion and exhaustion felt by half of the country following a contentious election. After losing the major battle of showing up on time, I was reminded of how some people become worn out or defeated before the real struggle has even begun.
For some people, everything may seem messy and tumultuous. Many feel weary from a long fight, as I do after showing up late to a lecture. Though tired from my battle with punctuality, the real fight is being attentive in class despite already being out of steam. If 2016 drained you of hope or energy, be wary that the real fight has just begun. If you see this time as one rooted in despair, keep in mind that periods of misfortune can make room for opportunity.
After all, if things were exactly as we wanted them to be, we wouldn’t have the chance to make a difference. My public policy professor shared an old Chinese saying with us — “May you live in interesting times.” To everyone who feels that 2016 — and the start of 2017 — has been comprised of turmoil, remember that we are lucky to find ourselves in such a mess, as we can be the ones to fix it.
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