There is something really powerful about the beginning of a new year and in some ways, the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021 is even more powerful than most new years.
In a usual new year, most of us will spend some time reflecting on the high and low points, thinking about ways in which we can become better people, and planning a new and improved vision for the future. This year is anything but usual and I could not let this moment pass without saying a little about my reflections on the past year.
I wondered last January how the new decade would unfold. Like just about everyone else, I had no notion that 2020 would be that much different from years past. I considered what I should do to make improvements in my life that have a positive effect on myself, on others, and our environment. I never considered the challenges we ultimately would face as individuals, families, communities, and societies.
The year 2020 forced us to face the biggest challenges of our time: a global pandemic, the collapse of our economy, and the stark realization that the organizations and institutions that drive much of our country are based on systems of racism that disadvantages our minoritized colleagues. I watched as our faculty, staff, and students confronted some of the darkest days of their lives. I have seen our community members lose loved ones to COVID-19 and then be unable to grieve with their family and friends. I have seen our IHP families confront childcare issues and virtual schooling all while trying to teach our students and mentor them into becoming health care providers.
While all of these situations were difficult, I have seen incredible resilience, moments of kindness, and an uncompromising spirit that just did not fade. I have witnessed innovation that I did not realize existed and a strength of character of which I am so proud to be a part of. And while the world felt so heavy, I never felt alone in the fight. As individuals, we have grown in our ability to navigate challenges and in our humanity toward each other. If this pandemic has shown us anything, it’s made us realize that each day is a gift, and the people in our lives are the most important.
The past year also validated for me the critical role health care providers play in improving the lives of those around us, and not just during a pandemic. The 9/11 tragedy highlighted the bravery of our first responders, but that bravery was there every day when these public servants risk their own lives to help others. The same is true for health care providers as the pandemic has shone a spotlight on them and rightfully labeled them as heroes for their courageous and selfless work over the past year. But health care providers also are heroes every day when they teach a new mom how to care for their infant, provide speech therapy to a patient with aphasia, or ambulate a patient for the first time after a traumatic brain injury. When I see their work, I have hope for the endless possibilities and promise for our future. The IHP’s work in creating that future has never been more important.
As I look forward to 2021, I am inspired by the opportunity to begin a new year with a fuller recognition of what is important in life, a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by so many of my colleagues, and an appreciation for our incredible community. I have hope that we will get control of this virus and resume some of the activities that we have missed in the last year. I look forward to the changes that will result from the actions in response to the BLM protests and the recognition of systemic racism in our society. There will be challenges ahead, but I know, as a community, we will face them the same way we have faced the challenges of the last year. We will rely on the science, use best practices, and always be there to support each other. We will take what we have learned from last year and work to make our world better for the future. I can’t think of a better way to approach this new year.
I wish you peace, good health, and a sense of calm and wellness for 2021.