If anyone would’ve told me in 2019, that we would be in a pandemic in 2020, I would’ve laughed. Honestly! Nobody saw this coming.
I ended 2019 very proud of YBTN. 13 events in 12 months. The teachers we connected with, the teachers we’ve been able to help and support and most importantly, the support from all of you.
I had so many plans and ideas that I wanted to execute this year, countries I was supposed to visit and even a TEDx talk that had to be postponed. But 2020 has forced to accept that I’m not and can’t be in control of everything that happens in my life. 2020 has also made me relax a bit more to be honest. The moment I started YBTN, we hit the ground running. But this year, apart from the things we’ve done online and via social media, it’s been slow. But in a good way. It’s forced me to take time out for myself and recuperate (when I’m not teaching of course).
2020 has been heavy to say the least. It’s taken a toll on people mentally, physically, emotionally and financially. People have lost loved ones. People have lost their jobs. The murders of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests and marches across the globe. The algorithm that determined the next steps of A-Level students back in august and snatched great opportunities away from the next generation. A government that some may say aren’t governing properly, especially during a pandemic. The same government that refused to feed school children during the holidays. Teachers working remotely and teaching online (which I hate by the way because it’s a lot harder than it looks). Being told to stay home has changed to stay alert. Being told not to mix with other households, but people from different households can all be in the same restaurant. I mean, I don’t get it. Maybe the virus takes a break sometimes. But like I said, it’s been heavy. It’s important for us not to be hard on ourselves and give ourselves a pat on the back for what we have achieved this year.
Maybe you can relate to this; trying to run a network/ company/brand alongside working full time and other things happening in your personal life, is not easy. It is hard, but I encourage you to keep going (whatever it is that you’re doing), especially when you know your ‘why?’ You may not always know ‘how?’ And as scary, painful or exciting things may be, there is beauty in the journey, valuable lessons to be learned and amazing people you will connect with who will be a blessing to you and vice versa.
2020 has taught me to be still (I’ve also baked and cooked a lot more, because that’s all a lot of us did during the first lockdown to be honest). Anywho, moving on. In the midst of the pandemic, a lot of good things have also happened and I’m grateful for every blessing, big and small. So as the year comes to an end, reflect on the positives, don’t be anxious about the future, but look forward to a fresh start in 2021.
I can’t end this blog post without thanking you, yes you. Thank you for supporting YBTN. Thank you for teaching day in and day out. Even if the government doesn’t appreciate teachers, YBTN appreciates you (and so does Morrison’s who are giving teachers 10% of their shopping). Thank you to; Vanessa, Sabrina, Natalie, Dami, Caren, Shani, James, Paige, Bianca & Zeek for helping me keep YBTN going.
I pray 2021 is better for all of us.
Kemi
P.S. We have two weeks off for Christmas coming up. DO NOT DO ANY WORK! RELAX AND SPEND TIME WITH LOVED ONES! And yes I was shouting :)