(Photo: Will Francis/Unsplash)
As 2021 comes to an end, we're reflecting on the year. From the COVID vaccine rollout to the return to in-person learning, we've documented many topics and events that made an impact on people's lives. Here are some of personal audio essays looking back at it all.
COVID Vaccine: Some Wait, Others Hunt for Ways to Jump the Line
By Natalie Bettendorf
“Yet I still felt like I was a part of that, slipping into a loophole when my vaccine could have gone into a full-time teacher’s arm — a teacher depending on this shot to get back into their classroom and make a living.”
Will I be Next? Missing Women in Media
By Tiya Birru
“Seeing the way people and media rallied together to search for Petito — I want that for young Black, Indigenous and people of color. Is it too much to ask for people to see our humanity — as people 'deserving' of coverage?”
It's Not Our Jobs Alone as Students of Color to 'Fix' Our Schools
By Ivelisse Diaz
“As people of color, we take on an additional burden of 'fixing' institutions. We don’t have the luxury or time to be ordinary students because we often need to push back in order to be seen. ”
Looking After Our Asian Parents When the Rest of the World Won't
By Amber Ly
“There are a lot of kids like me, who grew up playing at our parents’ nail salons, restaurants, laundromats and stores. Along with those childhood memories, we also carry the worry for our parents.”
Concerts Were Once My Happy Place, But After Astroworld I'm Not So Sure Anymore
By Nina Roehl
“When the news of what happened at Astroworld broke, I was completely shattered. How could something that was supposed to bring joy turn into something so dark?”