Dear Readers, Editors, Students,
Yesterday, we marked the end of a year filled with news, incidents, and events that have left us questioning and contemplating the state of our world. Each of us carries our own perspectives, shaped by personal experiences and unique beliefs. As we close the chapter on the old and turn the page to embrace a promising new year, I want to reflect on what this moment represents for our generation, a generation navigating a landscape of boundless opportunities coloured by shocking uncertainties.
For many, this year’s end signals the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with anticipation, excitement, but also, doubt. Writing this address does not mean providing a rigorous timeline of the events that defined the past year; after all, such accounts can be readily found in the pages of the New York Times or other publications. Instead, I want to go deeper into what this year has meant for our generation, a generation poised on the brink of change.
We are often dismissed as "lazy" or "screen-addicted," accused of losing touch with traditional values. Yet rarely is the other side of the story told. Ours is the generation uniquely burdened with unprecedented opportunities, but equally weighed down by a paralysing uncertainty. We stand at a crossroads where hope and doubt pull us in opposing directions. At times, we feel as though the vastness of choices in front of us is overwhelming, while the constraints of our times hold us back.
And yet, I believe that within this paradox lies our strength. Bear with me as I attempt to show why our generation, despite the challenges we face, is uniquely equipped to rise above and lead the way to the future.
This past year was a turmoil of emotions, and blends of triumphs and setbacks. For many, it may have been unsatisfying, filled with more questions than answers. The media, the world at large, and even our shared conversations have often failed to highlight the silver linings, the events that should give us hope.
Take, for instance, the political landscape. While some may dread the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, overshadowed was the historic election of Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's first female president. Her election signifies a step toward equality and inclusivity, a remarkable milestone that deserves celebration.
In the same vein, debates about the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony dominated headlines, but they overshadowed the extraordinary stories of athletes who competed with resilience and passion. These Games, a symbol of global unity, were nearly reduced to discussions of politics and taste.
And while much has been made of 2024 being the warmest year on record, a reminder of the climate crisis, the year also brought remarkable scientific breakthroughs. The world’s first mRNA lung cancer vaccine, BNT116, entered Phase I trials, offering hope for millions battling this devastating disease.
Beyond global events, each of us faced challenges in our personal lives, whether in studies, careers, relationships, or navigating our own dreams. Yet, amidst these struggles, there is an underlying truth that binds us: we are resilient, and we are capable of seeing beyond the shadows of uncertainty.
As we collect these reflections and tie together the knots of the past year, one conclusion stands out above all: hope. In a world so often overshadowed by scepticism and negativity, hope remains our most powerful tool.
Hope does not demand blind optimism; rather, it invites us to see the opportunities before us and act with courage and determination. Let this new year be a reminder that the stories we tell, the choices we make, and the kindness we extend all shape the future we desire. Together, let us embrace hope as a force that propels us forward, a light guiding us through the complexities of our generation's journey. And never forget, you are what you think, and you are what you read.
Here’s to a new year filled with purpose, growth, and, above all, hope.
Yours sincerely,
Levente Juhasz, Editor in Chief, Rostra Economica
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