As the saying goes, when going through a difficult time you should remember that an arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. Once launched, greatness awaits. After a difficult 2020, that’s my hope for 2021.

Last year felt like the end was nigh, but here we are in a new year. From starting 2020 with a potential world war, to ending it still physically distancing from our loved ones, we survived a stressful 12 months. 

Some of the challenges of last year remain. We are still battling a pandemic, which means that more than ever it is crucial for students to have updated information and for them to feel connected to the university community. Although our office remains closed, we will continue to publish news, sports, opinions and culture stories for our readers during this critical time.

With the Winter Term proceeding with remote course delivery, we are still operating from our individual homes and following the public health guidelines set by our university, our provincial government and the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Despite these circumstances, we will continue to serve our university and undergraduate students as your campus newspaper.

We will continue to publish stories online weekly and utilize our website to its full extent instead of producing print newspapers. Written for students, by students, the Sheaf’s goal is to offer a unique point of view to readers on current events.

Despite the challenging circumstances of last year, I am hopeful for 2021. If there’s anything that 2020 has taught me it is to keep my head high and to not give up easily. There were many times last year when I felt like I was beaten to the ground, but I persevered — and you have, too. And if we did it then, we can do it again. 

Welcome back and happy new year to all students, faculty and staff at the University of Saskatchewan. I hope that the recent holiday break has rejuvenated you for this term like it did for me. 

With 2020 behind us now, let’s hope that our arrow has now been shot and that greatness is not too far from us. 

This letter was written by a University of Saskatchewan undergraduate student and reflects the views and opinions of the writer. If you would like to write a reply, please email opinions@thesheaf.com. J.C. Balicanta Narag is a fourth-year human resources student and the Editor-in-Chief of The Sheaf Publishing Society.

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J.C. Balicanta Narag | Editor-in-Chief