“2020 Sucks!”

Champalani M. Ngonethong

Hmong & Lao | Saint Paul, MN | she/her/hers

I am one of millions of students forced to be in distance learning. At first it was alright. I’m an only child so I don’t have siblings bothering me and I can be selfish with the internet. 

However, there are students like my classmate who have to go to school and take care of her family. She always says she’s going to cook or help her brothers and sisters with homework after school. When the teacher picks her to speak, she would unmute and quietly say “Can you come back to me?” while a baby is crying into the mic. I picture her cradling her younger sister. I feel sad because she is a child taking care of another child.

In addition to being homebound and the loneliness of distance learning is racism. When I think about George Floyd, it reminds me of how every Black person and person of color’s chances of dying while living their everyday life is greater. My mind is blank most of the time but I feel furious and my heart hurts. Even as a kid, the actions of the police have fueled my anger. 

Finally, I am proud to be Hmong-Lao American so when I don’t see Asians on TV or learn about my community in school, I feel excluded. When the Atlanta shooting happened, I secretly thought “If there are no protest or rallies, if the school doesn’t even address this issue, I’ll be disappointed but it must be fine because I keep hearing that Asians are not having it as rough as other BIPOC communities.” To my surprise, many people came to support the #StopAsianHate rally in St. Paul and virtual events that I attend with my mom. I even saw a ten minute long news coverage about Asian-Americans. 

2020 taught me a lot about hate. It also showed me the positive changes that I can be a part of. And my dad caught COVID-19. But he survived and that’s one good thing about 2020.

Champalani M. Ngonethong is a 12 year old Hmong- Lao American in 7th grade at Washington Technology Magnet School in St. Paul, MN. She aspires to become an aerospace engineer. Her hobbies are playing volleyball, reading, watching manga and anime.