Here’s a List of What Got Us Through 2018
By: In Kind
Tags: Music, Books, Sports, Climate Change, Year In Review

While 2018 can generally be considered to be a Bad Year, there were still some things that brought some happiness to us. We asked our writers to consider their year and pick something that helped them get through the bad news of 2018, and hopefully they can help you do the same.

“Michelle Obama is a remarkable woman. I had the opportunity to see her Wednesday night in Brooklyn, New York, as part of her book tour for Becoming. Within 15 minutes of her coming out on stage, tears had welled up in my eyes. Thinking back, I honestly can’t remember what she said that had made me so emotional but now I realize it wasn’t what she had said — it was simply who she was or rather, what she represents to every woman, young girl and person of color. To me, she represents what hard work and motivation can get you. Michelle wasn’t raised with a silver spoon but that never stopped her from accomplishing her goals and setting new ones during the course of her life. To me, she represents a voice — my voice — that deserves to be heard and whose story deserves to be told. To me, she represents a future where society doesn’t ignore women but instead cherishes them for all they have to offer. This year has been filled with many memorable moments and experiences but seeing Michelle speak has been one of the best moments of my life. And I’d like to think that it wasn’t solely because I got to see her (and those boots!) but also because I got to share it with a diverse room of people with a common appreciation for who she is and what she represents — the promise of what could be.” — Chloe Castleberry

“In Western Germany, less than an hours train ride from the bustling metropolitans of

Dusseldorf and Cologne, lies the biodynamic farm Hof zur Hellen. An idyllic and enchanting place, I volunteered there for several weeks where I was welcomed into a whole new world of weeding fields of cabbage, digging for potatoes, piling manure, herding cows, and feeding pigs. I was astonished by how much I enjoyed the experience: the satisfaction at the end of a hard day’s work, the gratification of holding the literal fruits of your labor in the palm of your hand, the encounters with fellow volunteers from around the world, the knowledge and dedication of the workers. Through a core group of hard-working, open-minded, and devoted individuals, Hof zur Hellen is dedicated to the raising of animals and the growing of crops in an ecologically-sound and environmentally-friendly manner. It stands as a staple within its community, providing a high quality organic food source within the region. During my time there, I was impressed and inspired not only by its sustainable farming practices and its impact on the local level, but also by the hospitality, warmth, and trust of the people who live and work there. As 2018 draws to a close, my singular experience at Hof zur Hellen stands out as a reminder of the painstaking labor carried out by those who care about making a difference in the community and I’m grateful to have been a part of those who are committed to working for positive change.” -Emily Cai

“2018 has been a dire year for the climate. Emissions have risen. Extreme weather hammered home the fact that climate change is a grim reality. As for halting it, there is a window of opportunity still just open. As it closes, the inaction of our most powerful governments inspires despair among scientists and citizens alike. But hope is not gone. Not yet. 2018 has seen an idea dawn in American government: a Green New Deal. The New Deal of our grandparents restored the Dust Bowl, the most severe environmental disaster the U.S. had ever encountered, during the worst financial collapse in history. The Green New Deal, backed by over 30 members of the House of Representatives, could see our nation boom with solar energy jobs as it takes the lead against climate change. Americans beat the last great crisis with tomato gardens, tin cans, and grit. Now, the nation clamors for action. Whether through civil disobedience or bicycle rebellion, citizens demand to live green. Nobody pretends that the change will be easy. Nothing meaningful ever is. In the words of a famous riveter, we can do it. With our leaders on our side, nothing is impossible. The Green New Deal is still just a proposal, the seed of the mighty change that must occur if we are to save our world. 2018 will be remembered as the year that seed began to sprout. A movement has begun to grow. Let’s make it strong this upcoming year.” — Anna Gooding-Call

“While 2018 was officially deemed by most as the the worst possible timeline, the pop culture arena was the reprieve we all needed: enter Ariana Grande. The light, indeed, is coming to bring back everything the darkness stole, and no other light shone brighter than Grande as she came to collect her things. From securing a number one album, three top 10 hits, her first number one single, and two Grammy nominations, Grande remerged on the scene with “No Tears Left to Cry” a soulful, yet upbeat single eulogizing her Manchester Arena concert where, just a year prior, a suicide bombing killed 23 concertgoers while wounding 139 others. From terrorist attacks to enduring the beginning and ending of her engagement with SNL comedian Pete Davidson and the untimely death of her ex-boyfriend, rapper Mac Miller, after the dissolution of their relationship six months prior, this past year has been increasingly challenging for the 25-year-old songstress. Despite the hardships however, through her music she was able to excel through the pain and revel in this moment as Billboard’s official Woman of The Year where she ends 2018 still atop the charts with her record-breaking smash hit, “Thank U, Next.” With over 130 million followers, I think it’s fair to say we all can’t wait to see what’s next for Grande.” -Brandon Sams

“In 2018, I put the brakes on my all-consuming career and focused on what we oddly refer to as “the little things”.

In short, I started spending time enjoying life.

This, in turn, has made me a more pleasant person to be around (or so I’m told). Following are some of the choices I made which have greatly improved my existence, in no particular order:

I studied the philosophers — from Socrates to Simone de Beauvoir.

I began going on long walks — and really taking in the beauty our planet provides us.

I researched vegan nutrition, became a soup-making expert, and committed to (mostly) eating well.

I joined a weekly movie outing with friends.

I unwisely made a declaration to said friends that I would start remembering the names of actors and actresses’. (I failed miserably). I found a houseplant that is efficient at recycling indoor air, can survive on minimal sunlight, and is not toxic to cats or dogs (I’m looking at you, Boston Fern).

I nearly killed that plant and then brought it back to life, with a grow-light…and appropriate watering.

I attended parties, dinners, and concerts — alone(!).

I spent time with the elderly — specifically my 87-year-old Grandmother and my 14-year-old Labrador Retriever.

I started a weekly board-game night with my family.

And I became inspired by my two-year-old nephew to improve my Spanish.

In 2018, I chose to engage with the world around me. And that just may be the best decision I’ve ever made.” -Jessica Jentz

“This year, more than ever, it seemed that everywhere I looked, I saw nothing but bad news. The biggest respite from this never-ending tidal wave of misery and misfortune came in an unexpected form: Paddington 2. For one hour and forty-five minutes, the adventures of this adorable little Peruvian bear and his quintessentially British family whisked me away from all my troubles and firmly transplanted me in a world where, as Paddington says, “If we’re kind and polite, the world will be right.” This is no ordinary children’s movie. It’s thoroughly delightful without ever veering into saccharine territory, and Paddington’s wacky misadventures were compelling enough to keep me intrigued. (Spoiler alert: Paddington gets framed for a crime he didn’t commit, gets sentenced to prison, transforms the prison into a Wes Anderson-esque marmalade paradise, and then breaks out of said prison.) Plus, the sight of Paddington’s fuzzy little face was so ridiculously cute that it literally made my eyes well up with tears on multiple occasions. Although it may seem silly, I am completely and utterly enamored with the world of Paddington 2. It was an enduring bright spot in an otherwise chaotic and difficult year, and its inexhaustible optimism and determination is something that we can all hope to emulate in the years to come.” -Caroline Hsu

“Let’s start with Super Bowl 52 between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots. Looking at this game on paper and based on historical performances between both teams involved many would say the Patriots would win this match up. After 4 quarters of exciting football, the Eagles walked away victorious 41–33. Next, to the ice where the Washington Capitals made their second Stanley Cup appearance in 20 years. They went to battle against the first-year expansion team; Las Vegas Knights. Furthermore, after five matches on the ice the Washington Capitals brought the Stanley Cup back to the nation’s capital. From the ice to the hardwood, in one of the most dominating performances the Golden State Warriors swept the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Golden State Warriors won their third title in four years, allowing them to make their case as a modern-day dynasty.

Fast forward to October where another sweep almost occurred between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers. After a long-drawn game three of 18 innings and seven hours and twenty minutes of play. The Boston Red Sox, claimed the World Series in five games. To round out the year the MLS Cup, Atlanta United beat the Portland Timbers in strategic but dominating fashion 2 -0, after only being in the MLS for only two seasons I hope this 2018 major league sports breakdown gives your insight and an idea of what’s to come soon of the sports world.” -Corey James

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