WASHINGTON, USA — 2023 was full of ups and downs for many of us, some big and some small.
KING 5 asked the community to reflect on the past and look to the future to wrap up the year.
Elementary school children and senior citizens shared what impacted them the most this year. Everything from family trips to McDonald's to the rise in gun violence and concern over women's reproductive rights shaped the experiences of these western Washington citizens.
2023: Reflecting on the past, looking toward the future
This is a brief glance at the conversations between the people in this video. To hear their whole conversation and reflect on your own year, watch the full video here.
What was good in 2023?
“The life was so good,” said a girl in a blue beanbag chair, sitting inside a western Washington daycare.
“2022 kind of got back to normal, but 2023, I feel like we’re kind of making up for all the time we didn’t get to,” said Dottie Neufeld.
“My health is wonderful after a cardiac history and it got fixed and I am grateful every day that I get up and I have a healthy life,” said Susan Towle, sitting inside a senior resident's home in Washington.
“We went on a bunch of trips,” said a boy in a black beanbag. “Italy, Germany, and we went to McDonald’s.”
What was bad in 2023?
“What was bad in my life is that I bit my lips,” girl in blue beanbag said.
“I think the world is in chaos,” said Bob Woodruff. The woman across from him, Sandy Hanson, added: “We had basically a polarized political agenda."
Sitting on the daycare floor, surrounded by toys, a boy answered: "Gun violence."
“I think I am particularly concerned about the whole women’s reproduction rights,” said Susan Towle.
In 2024, I…
“I want people to start being kind and respectful,” said a girl in the daycare.
“I hope people find a job or a lifestyle that brings them joy,” said Sandy Hanson.
What are you hopeful for in 2024?
“I want the world to be peaceful,” said a boy, sitting at a table inside a colorful daycare room.
“I have confidence in the next generation that’s coming,” said Dottie Neufeld.
“And they will figure it out, just as we try to and fail, they will try and fail, too,” said Susan Towle, sitting across from Neufeld. “But in the end, I think we’re in good hands.”