2020 is a year that will go down in history. It affected millions of lives if not billions physically, mentally or physically. Whether it’s Covid-19, racial justice taking a huge stand or a loss of a celebrity or a loved one, it teaches us to adapt in every situation. I won’t say that 2020 is the best year, nor is it the worst. It’s been one of, if not the more productive year I ever had. Let me show you

At the start of 2020, things didn’t go well for me. My mom was rushed to the hospital due to a very bad flu and I was struggling to pass my final driving exam. I’m not going too into detail because I made a separate blog for that. What I can say is that it helped me see how physical and emotional bankruptcy changed my vision of life. All the struggle I’d gone through for the first couple of months was for a feeling. The feeling of improvement and success. Eventually I got over that roadblock.

When March came, it was hard to take in. Canada was on lockdown, people were getting paranoid and stayed in their homes, I temporarily lost my job and I was forced to stay home. I have never been so defeated ever in my life. It was a hard pill to swallow and I had to adjust my new way of living. That includes finding ways to keep me occupied, finding new hobbies and finding ways to make money. That month I learned how to invest and trade into the stock market. I won’t say how much I earned through that. What I can say is that it’s a long learning curve and you got to know what you’re doing. I read books, watched videos and read financial statements. All in all, it was an amazing experience and I wish I could’ve done it sooner. Besides learning new skills, my friends and I were lost in our gaming world. We played an average of 9 hours a day and we love every single second of it. Since we can’t hang out outside because we’re on lockdown, this was the next best thing. I also met a ton of people from around the world, which I still hold a close relationship with today. All in all, the lockdown wasn’t too bad. You just have to adapt your new setting and find things to keep you occupied. 

Summer came and I can finally go back to work with the cost of moving out from my parent’s place. It was a bold move and it was hard for me. But at the end of the day, someone has to help to pay the bills and groceries. I moved in to my relatives and at first it took me a good few weeks to sharpen up my skills again. A couple weeks later, things were getting close to normal (sort of). People can go outside, see friends and go shopping. It was one of the highlights of the year because I can go back to the arcade and play the games I miss the most. That, and seeing my friends again, going to the beach and just being around with people. 

Fast forward a month later, I got the notice that my store was closing down. Everyone was devastated and I wanted to stay because I still had my apprenticeship to do. So I asked HR if I can be transferred to a new place. It’s like a 30min drive from my place which is not too bad. I took the offer and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. It was a step-up from my old place and it’s bigger and busier. They welcomed me with open arms and I quickly grew with them. They realized how much potential I have, how committed and driven I am and care about one another. Not that long later, I got promoted to supervisor and I was the happiest man alive. I fought tooth and nail, got so many burns and cuts and cared about people’s well-being. I can safely say that this is all mine and I wear it with pride. It shows that if you put 500% effort into the thing you love, you will see results.

Winter was a harsh season for me. I lost some friends, the second wave of covid-19 is here, and work was piling up. At the end of the day, I take it under the chin and keep going. When Christmas came, it was the busiest time of the year because people were coming in for Christmas orders. Somehow, my team and I managed to finish in one piece. I’ve never been so proud of my team. Never in my life have I fought so hard for something I truly love

As I looked back, I said to myself “Wow. I came far. I’ve changed so much, made new friends and found a place where people like myself can do the things we love.” And the most interesting part is that it’s been only one year. I’m not sure what 2021 will bring. But I know one thing is that I’m ready and I’m excited what opportunity lies ahead.