A Few Good Things that Happened in 2021

December 28, 2021

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By: Kaysey A. Richardson

Well, we made it through another tough year!  As we tried to navigate through 2021 and recover from the previous year, there were still many challenges we faced.  Although the world isn’t completely back to normal yet, there are still positive aspects of 2021 that can be highlighted—both on a personal level and on a worldly level.  Here are a few positive highlights of 2021 that we can celebrate and recognize:

• Endangered Species are Making a Comeback! This is amazing!  As of 2021, pandas are no longer on the endangered list, and it’s not just pandas who are gaining attention. Several endangered species in rainforests also dropped off the endangered list.  Additionally, there are enforced fishing quotas that began in 2021 to help four endangered species of Atlantic tuna, AND we have reintroduced bison and wolves back into Europe!  Even the internet was used for good when Reddit investors adopted 3,500 endangered gorillas in six days in March.  Through the website, investors donated money to the conservation organization Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and inspired people outside of Reddit to donate even more!  We love seeing animals thrive!
• China Eliminated Malaria: The fight for COVID continues, but in 2021 scientists actually eliminated diseases and recorded less cases of viruses such as influenza, which was killing hundreds of thousands of people a year!  With the help of better sanitation and information, scientists made significant progress in 2021 in the fight against disease.  In fact, China completely eliminated malaria.  In the 1940s, China reported 30 million cases annually, and eighty years later, China officially eliminated the disease.  The World Health Organization launched a campaign to eradicate malaria in 25 more countries by 2025.
• No More Quarantine! Not only is there no more quarantine, but because of COVID, new regulations and advances were put in place at events and restaurants to help continue social distancing and sanitation! For example, virtual queues have completely revolutionized waiting in line.  No more getting to a restaurant super early just to be put on a wait list!  Many restaurants now have virtual lines where you can wait at home until you’re notified to head to the establishment. Plus, I don’t know about everybody else, but seeing live music and going to see a movie in a theater were definitely things I’ve enjoyed having back.
• Juneteenth Becomes a Nationally Recognized Holiday: *This blurb is intended to look at the historic significance of this legislation and not be political. Black communities across the nation have acknowledged and celebrated Juneteenth, which marked the end of slavery in the United States.  This year, President Joe Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth National Independence Day a federal holiday. Vice President Kamala Harris stated, “We have come far and we have far to go, but today is a day of celebration.  It is not only a day of pride; it is also a day for us to reaffirm and rededicate ourselves to action.  And with that I say, Happy Juneteenth everybody.”  Harris’s role as Vice President also marks the first time a woman or a person of color helmed the title.  This legislation and Harris’s title are both important steps in civil rights and a significant part of American history.
• Cheese isn’t that bad! This one is a little cheesy, but I think we all need to hear it.  In February 2021, scientists revealed that there is almost no evidence that cheese causes weight gain; at worst it’s just neutral.  So next time you are feeling guilty about eating an entire block of cheese, just remember this piece of grate news.

I asked the staff to reflect on some of their favorite moments and 2021 accomplishments as well.  From traveling after lockdown to education and career milestones, here are our biggest moments of 2021:

Allie:

• After graduating in December 2020, I began searching for new career opportunities, which eventually landed me the job here at the Museum of World Treasures.
• I applied for and got an internship at KMUW as an archiving intern.  As an archiving intern, I have a hand at documenting files that will be entered into the Library of Congress for preservation.  It combines my love of audio work and history in a way I never thought possible.
• Not only did I get my first apartment to myself in 2021, but I also have my own office here at work! This one might seem trivial, but I made it a mission after graduating where I could have an office to decorate.I drove to Denver, CO to explore the city for about a week which sparked a love of travel that I’ve never been able to feed.  I think my next stop will be New England!

Alan:

• I feel very proud of my progress in learning Spanish! I started last December as a New Year’s Resolution.  Eventually, I forgot it was a resolution, and I just kept learning! In looking at the stats recorded by Duolingo, I practiced a total of 298/365 days of the year!  I wasn’t able to practice every single day, but I got most of them!
• Another accomplishment I’ve had during 2021 is my art business.  I’ve made new friends and valuable connections just by being involved in the art community here in Wichita! I’ve grown a lot and will continue to grow with the community.

Deckard:

• I went to Ohio in October as a dual adventure to meet my internet friends and see a band I really liked.  It made me find out how much fun a live concert can be.  Also being able to spend time with people I usually only hear was really cool, especially since they got me into new hobbies and food.

Brad:

• Over the past year I have increased MOWT audience through virtual programming.  This was a way of adapting to COVID and the result of loss of in-person programming.  Local schools and organizations have taken advantage of virtual programming, but even more exciting is that we have extended that reach across the nation, reaching audience from California to New Jersey and lots of in-between.  This has continued even as in-person programming returns. 
• I also did three news appearances this year promoting upcoming programs and educating audiences about our artifacts related to World War II and Pearl Harbor specifically.

Danielle:

• I was promoted at the Museum of World Treasures to Visitor Services & Development Director!
• My kids started preschool, I’m a proud Mama!
• I completed my Master’s Program with a degree in Leadership & Management

Kristin:

• I was so excited to be interviewed by KPTS and featured on their Empowering Seniors program.  My family, especially my two grandmas Kay and Lou, were so excited for me!
• In October, I presented a session called “Help! I’m a Manager Now!” at the Mountain-Plains Museums Association conference alongside a colleague.  We talked with young museum professionals about the transition from early career to management, covering potential pitfalls and tricks to make management easier.

Kaysey:

• I got a job at the Museum of World Treasures! This was so huge for me because I have been in school learning how to work in the museum field.  This is basically my dream job, getting to write about history every week and work around artifacts and dinosaurs! In addition to getting the job, I was promoted to my current full-time position. 
• I GRADUATED! My biggest accomplishment of 2021 was graduating with my Master’s Degree in History and completing my 92-page thesis.  I moved to Wichita in 2018 to study history at the graduate level at Wichita State University, so it feels incredibly rewarding to finally say that I’ve finished.
• I got a puppy!  In April of 2021, I adopted a puppy from the humane society and since I have a void in my life filled that I didn’t even know needed to be filled. Her energy, love, and happiness spreads to anybody who she is around and I’m lucky enough to be around it all the time.