Siouxland Magazine - Volume 3 Issue 1

Lessons Learned
By Alex Watters
During the last six months, a lot of people
have shared quotes reflecting on 2020. The
one that stuck out most to me went like this, “I thought
2020 would be the year I got everything I wanted.
Now I know 2020 is the year I appreciated everything
I have.“ And that’s where I find myself writing this
article. Just as I would at the closing of any year,
reflecting on the past and looking to the new year.
However, this year I feel like we have learned many
more lessons and have greater hope for the promise
of a new year.
From a personal stance, some of us were able to
spend more time with people within our household.
Due to my concern with the increased exposure that
caregivers had to go from home to home caring
for patients as well as staffing shortages, my mom
moved into my home to provide my full-time care.
It’s not something I had expected at my age, but the
time I’ve been able to spend with her is a time that
I am thankful for having. A lot of parents have found
themselves trying to be teachers, and while I can’t
imagine what that would be like, hopefully, some of
those moments and occasional successes will make
a lasting impact on their development.
As someone comfortable going out every night to
fundraisers and community events, this has forced
me to slow down. It also introduced me to new
technology. I never thought I would be so familiar
with Zoom, WebEx, Ring Central, Microsoft Teams,
or any number of other platforms to stay connected.
If you would’ve told me that I was going to have a
happy hour with my friends through a computer
screen last year I would’ve thought you were crazy.
But, that technology allowed me to reconnect with
friends and family that I haven’t talked to in some
time.
This year also had a number of us prioritizing our
mental health as much as our physical health,
probably because it was pushed more than ever.
While I can find silver-linings, I know there have been
personal sacrifices made. Our essential workers were
pushed to their limits, and far too many people in our
community have lost their lives.
From a business perspective, many have had to
completely shift their business model to ensure
the safety of their customers and follow the everevolving
restrictions. We ordered our food to go or
picked it up curbside, grabbed a cocktail to go, and
found out that we are far from the home chefs that
we had hoped we were.
We also learned what it was to be an “essential
worker.” I’ve always been appreciative of the
sacrifices made by our healthcare workers, first
responders, and the police force/fire department.
But 2020 has given me an entirely new perspective
on my favorite restaurants, shops, and entertainment
venues. While some have adapted and persevered,
others have had to close their doors and lay off
employees.
Although this election year may have brought about
divisiveness, we have also seen incredible chances
to rally, to learn from one another, and to grow. We
saw a social justice movement where we’ve learned
the importance of being inclusive. We’ve instituted
body cameras on all sworn officers, created a new
“Inclusive Sioux City” advisory committee, and added
a Community Inclusion Liaison position. These positive
changes have been created by reflecting on difficult
situations and making a commitment to better our
community.
The year 2020 has affected us all. Although it’s easy to
focus on the hardships, it’s also been a huge growth
opportunity and a chance to recognize the blessings
we have around us. I have witnessed companies
and individuals adapting and thriving in this new
environment. It has shown me just how resilient
are the people of Siouxland. We have learned how
innovative the workplace can be when pushed, how
entrepreneurial and adaptive some of us are - even
sewing masks as a side-gig, how important it is to
check in on our neighbors and loved ones, and the
extent that our decisions can affect the lives of those
around us. I hope we don’t forget these important
lessons, and that through all of this frustration and
sacrifice, you too, can find some silver-linings.
“I thought 2020 would be the year I got everything
I wanted. Now I know 2020 is the year I appreciated
everything I have.“
Alex Watters, City Council of Sioux City
awatters@sioux-city.org
Siouxland Magazine | Converse / 15