In the United States, we’re now officially entering the 12th month of the global pandemic. It’s probable that even if you’ve been living under a rock, in some way or another, your life has been affected by COVID-19. This past year, we’ve been living under a microscope.

2021 is officially well underway. Vaccines are finding their way into the arms of awaiting humans to hopefully help bring this global pandemic to a close. 

Students and teachers are finding new ways to navigate the world of digital learning and are hopeful that those who want to attend in person classes will be able to do so perhaps even prior to the next school year. 

You stumble through your days, got your head hung low
Your skies’ a shade of grey, like a zombie in a maze, you’re asleep inside, but you can shake away
‘Cause you’re just a dead man walking, that’s your only option, but you can flip the switch and brighten up your darkest day.
Sun is up and the color’s blinding, take the world and redefine it
Leave behind your narrow mind, you'll never be the same

It’s officially the beginning of the end of 2020. December is upon us, and, thanks to the incredible efforts of the scientific community, there’s now a light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel. Vaccines and therapies are showing good numbers, and there’s hope that within the next 6 months, we’re far closer to a more normal, normal than we’ve been in a long time. Hope...it does wonders for the soul. I have hope for hugs in the near future.

“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance” - Eckhart Tolle

We can all hope we’re lucky to, one day, look back in our rearview mirror and tell stories of life amidst the 2020 pause. It’s November–how are you holding up? Things sure are nutty these days. 

Justin Starr started at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) in 2002 as a high school dual enrollment student. He took the bus from his home in Sewickley to Allegheny Campus, and earned his Associate of Science in General Studies. Later, Justin went on to get his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science from the University of Virginia, and his Master of Science and Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from the University of Florida.