I live less than 10 miles from the White House. It’s hard not to feel demoralized by the astounding changes to the world around me since January 20, 2025. Federal workers laid off, the decimation of vital U.S. government agencies, blatant homophobia and misogyny masquerading as policy, and the dehumanization of immigrants. I’ve spent part of the year in mourning for the America I once thought I lived in.
However, the “sickening moral slum” of this presidency is countered daily by the activism of friends, colleagues and total strangers. As 2025 wraps up, I choose to focus on things that make me hopeful.
Fellow rally-goers. I’ve been to No Kings Day demonstrations, marches for immigrant rights, and sing-alongs in front of a courthouse. Every time, I am warmed by the spirit of civic engagement. I am proud to live in a community where we are (still) free to assemble in public and express disagreement with our government.
Musicians. I have joined so many sing-alongs, karaoke nights, protest-music nights, and other music groups that I feel like a groupie. Musicians carry the spirit of our times like few other artists. They can bring a group together in a way that uplifts the entire community in real time.
Colleagues. Teachers are the most amazing group of people. And teachers of immigrant students have a special place in my heart. I work in a school with an enormous ELD department (formerly ESOL). Even as the students stop coming to school (fear of ICE raids) and attendance is at an all-time low, my colleagues persevere. They help the students who show up and reach out to those who don’t. We support each other in the office before school, during lunch, and after school. In a job that can be emotionally draining, my colleagues make it better every single day.
So, as the meme says, have the best year. My resolutions for the new year are exactly those shared in this image.
My advice for the New Year: Get outside every single day, no matter the weather. Join a group. Honor your commitments to yourself.
Wishing you the courage to pursue the activities that give you joy.
Eva K. Sullivan 