All ends come with new beginnings. With the end of 2020 has come 2021, and so has the yearly contemplation into the past–how would we assess the years that came before and the year 2020 specifically? How would you spend this year productively? Will you approach this year differently from the last? These are common questions with wildly varying answers, and one that we all must ponder about. *The Granite Tower* (GT) asked four Korea University (KU) students about their reflections on 2020, and their future plans for 2021. 

The interviewees were asked to answer these questions: 

How did you perceive yourself in 2020?

What changes do you expect to see in 2021?

Do you have any New Year's resolutions to implement in 2021?

Noh Chae Yeon (‘19, School of Life Sciences)

2020 was the year that made me feel more lethargic than usual. My youth felt like a waste because I could not go out even though I like to meet people. In 2021, I feel more hopeful for the end of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic than the previous year, but no one truly knows when we can hang out with people as much as we want. I am planning to overcome my lethargy by reading various books and waiting calmly for when I can freely meet my fellow schoolmates.

Jeong Ju Ho (‘20, Department of Economics)

I could not experience various enjoyable festivals and events as a freshman due to COVID-19. However, I remember that it was a year where everyone had a hard time. Therefore, I was proud to overcome the sorrow and spend a great year with my own small goals! I think I will be able to spend an even more meaningful time and work toward them in 2021. I want to develop a healthier lifestyle by reading at least one book a week and exercising regularly. I would also like to participate in various activities and experience whatever I can, as much as I can. 

Choi Yoon Ji (‘21, Department of Materials Science and Engineering) 

All I cared about in my senior year of high school was earning good grades and getting accepted into a good college. My parents had planned out a path for me to walk to achieve this goal, and all I had to do was follow it. However, my 2020 experience consisted of many rejections after each hopeful application– this made me fall into deep despair, as this was not the future that I had envisioned for myself. Now, I will be the one to plan my future. I do not have a set plan, but I am willing to take things slowly to find my aptitudes. 

Lee Hyeon (‘20, Department of Architecture) 

To be honest, 2020 was not as bad as I thought it would be. Although I spent a lot of sleepless nights due to school, I believe those are the moments that I will remember and cherish the most in the future. Although the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over, I believe that I can continue to be positive about the future. For 2021, I would like to have a more organized and a healthier lifestyle as last year was very hectic for me. My ultimate goal is to be happier and to discover a new hobby that will aid in relieving stress.