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Writer's pictureVanessa Reyes

Hey There. It's Been A While.

Updated: Aug 11, 2020


It's evident that 2020 has been nothing but tragedy after tragedy, and I think it's safe to say that we're all tired and fed up. Watching the news has been draining as we hear about a disease spreading like wild fire, deaths of innocent people, and celebrities doing A LOT of Lord-knows-what. As all of these things are happening, I've lost things to write about. With everything that has been going on around the world, I couldn't find the words to express what it is that I am feeling. This world has always been dark, but I have become blind and am searching for the light. Now that I am back, let's talk about what's going on.


First of all, COVID-19 is still going around. As it seems like it's dying down, it sparks up again. As much as I am tired of having to wear a mask everywhere I go, I continue to do so because I want this pandemic to end. I wish I could say the same thing about others, but not everyone is being smart and seem not to care at all. The way I see it, if I don't do the proper actions that need to be taken to prevent the spread of this virus, I would be putting all of my loved ones in danger of contracting it. This is my first message to the public: stop acting stupid, wear a mask, practice social distancing, and if you feel any ill symptoms, please stay home. Together, we can flatten the curve, but these actions must be taken to do so.


Up next, we have Black Lives Matter, protesting, and looting. If I'm being quite honest, what happened in Minnesota broke my heart that I couldn't find the words to express my pain. I think of my father, a large Afro-Dominican man. I know that he could easily end up in a similar situation, and that angers me even more. To see people divided because of police brutality sickens me. During a time like this, the human race should be more united. I support all the peaceful protests that have gone on these past few months. The looting and destroying of businesses is the one thing I do not understand. I agree with protesting against businesses that discriminate, but why are we destroying the jobs of those who support the cause of a better future? I think of my family members who own or work in bodegas. I've had uncles who stood guard often overnight at their bodegas to make sure that their place of business was not burned down.


What makes me even more angry are those who pose as protesters that go to other towns to start riots. I don't want to hear another person say "all lives matter." Yes, all lives do matter, but to be brutally honest, white people have not struggled as much as minorities. People of color will always have to work harder for equality. To my fellow readers, please continue to fight for peace and equality, but do not give in to acts of violence. Say it louder for the people in the back!


In addition to that, what is going on with arresting the murderers of Breonna Taylor and Elijah McClain? Why is there no action being taken? There are who knows how many people who have died at the hands of the police and justice has still not been served. Their stories are slowly being silenced because the media is not portraying it. Action is not being taken. Taylor, who was an EMT, and McClain, a massage therapist, did not ask for their lives to be taken from them instantly. Do not let this die down until the courts take their murderers to trial.


Following this is the death of Vanessa Guillen. The fact that she disappeared and was found on the base that she was stationed at still baffles me. You mean to tell me that no one noticed a soldier gone missing after she reported sexual harassment against another sergeant? How do people expect to feel protected by the military if the military cannot protect their soldiers. This also makes me think of my 19-year old nephew who serves for the National Guard, one cousin who serves the Air Force, my other cousin who serves the Army, and other loved ones who serve this country. It doesn't take rocket science to know that training is no walk through a park. However, if they are expected to serve and protect us, they deserve better treatment.


Coming up next, we have Kanye West running for president. He is not in the right state of mind to be considered a candidate. I've said it and I mean it. Our current president is a clown, his opponent(Biden) gives me clown vibes, and I most certainly do not need another clown joining the race. Anyone who votes for West is a clown. Voting is not a joking matter and if you decide not to vote this upcoming election, you have no room to comments.


Finally, we have another devastating celebrity death that stung as much as Kobe Bryant, Gianna, and everyone else in the helicopter. We all know that Naya Rivera received bad press in the past, but she is another human being who did not deserve to go the way she went. It makes me angry when I see people criticizing her as a mother. The point is that someone drowned and died, not that she left her son alone on a boat. No one knows the full story, so please stop judging.


As we are still living through 2020 and seeing it as struggling to make it past the finish line, it doesn't hurt to hope for a better, brighter future. I look at my young nieces and nephews and hope for a world that is harmonious. Most importantly, please take care of your mental health. If I'm drained, I know you must be too. Please stay safe, be smart, and most importantly, be kind to each other.







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