University of Florida - Tower / Seminole Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

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The year threw the world many curveballs including event cancellations, campus shutdowns, election results and more. One curvebaii that affected people worldwide was the sudden passing of important figures such as Kobe Bryant. Naya Rivera Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Chadwick Boseman. Jordan Kahn, third-year undergraduate student, felt the impact of these beloved celebrities passing away '2020 has been hard overall.' Kahn said, 'so the death of these iconic celebrities definitely made it worse.' As these icons passed away mere months apart, fans all over the world personally mourned the losses while appreciating what these icons did for society. While Ruth Bader Ginsburg was opening doors and breaking ceilings for women, Kobe Bryant was breaking records and stunning crowds all over the nation. Naya Rivera gave LGBTQ+ representation on television screens and Chadwick Boseman had the strength to carry on filming intense movies while hiding his struggles with colon cancer from fans. Whether these losses were shocking or anticipated, the internet spread the news like wildfire. Big franchises like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Marsel Cinematic Universe were quick to honor those lost. 'RBG was a very upsetting loss to me. especially with the political climate right now,' Ansley Diaz, first-year undergraduate student, said. 'We can't afford to lose someone so pivotal to human rights, but it was nice seeing so many different people honor her.' While the subject of loss is always a somber one. it was important for many to consider what these losses taught them and how they can grow from those lessons. Martin Vivas, fourth-year undergraduate student, said. 'Kobe Bryant's death taught me to enjoy life as best you can.' Writing by Kassandra Rodriguez Photography Compliments trom Jose Otero via Shutterstock