“I think it is important to have good news all the time, not just during this pandemic. If we focus too much on the negative, then that is what our world becomes. There are still a lot of great things happening in the world, and it helps our mindset to see good and happy!” – Mrs. Fisher

By now, everyone knows 2020 was a difficult year (probably because you have been reminded of that one hundred times) and so far, 2021 has come with some difficult challenges. However, there is always good in the world to look for and after a year of constant bad news, here are a few positive stories you may have missed.  

A Snowy Owl was seen in Central Park in New York for the first time in 130 years. The species natural home is in the Artic, but it decided to give New Yorkers a nice visit. These birds do migrate south in the winter, but the bird’s appearance was unexpected. With more people taking walks during the lockdown, more and more birds are being spotted! This must have been an incredible site to see for New Yorkers (The Good News Network 2021).  

Nike has made a new hands-free shoe for those who are disabled, arthritic and pregnant. It is called the Flyease Go and is “divided into two halves restrained by a neoprene tension band, but with a limited, two-stage hinge in the middle of the outsole, the slipper or loafer-like portion of the shoe arches up to a 30-degree angle as the hinge opens up when the shoe is worn” (The Good News Network 2021). This is huge and great news for the disabled community and those who are pregnant as well for those who face arthritis. Nike is a big company, and it is great that they are taking steps like this to ensure safety, comfortability and/or equality for all. 

When asked about this development, Katie Rowberry, a junior here at Rocky, expressed “I think it is a great idea. It allows for that person to not waste a bunch of time and effort in putting on shows before leaving the house”.  

Nzambi Matee, a Kenya woman, has just discovered a new way to turn plastic waste into bricks stronger than concrete. She is the founder of Gjenge Makers, a company that makes plastic waste into building materials. This is incredible news and is a vital step in reducing plastic waste and creating a safer and greener world Mr. Matt Hampton, the sociology and eastern perspectives teacher here at Rocky, was asked how he feels about this, stating “[That] sounds great. Why would anyone not like that?” 

When asked if she thinks good news is important to read, Rowberry said, “I think good news is really important! It is nice to receive some hope especially during a dark time, but even when life is good. Hope is an important thing and it can come through good news”.  

English teacher Hollie Fisher was asked if she thinks good news is important now more than ever. “I think it is important to have good news all the time, not just during this pandemic. If we focus too much on the negative, then that is what our world becomes. There are still a lot of great things happening in the world, and it helps our mindset to see good and happy!” said Fisher. 

Hampton also weighed in on this: “I think good news is always important, I don’t know if it’s now more than ever. I think with COVID though, I would say in this situation, yes. Our country’s been divided, and I think people are looking for good news, and feel-good stories are always a good thing to see.”  

These stories are just some of the good news that has come from 2021 so far. It is important to remember that no matter how overwhelming the bad news seems, there is a swarm of good news. If you want more good news, head to The Good News Network, where they have loads of good news every day!