Hope is Persistent.

In a world fraught with inequalities and uncertainty where we must navigate internal and external struggles, hope is essential. We are more than the issues we face and each deserve to see a better future. Reflecting on this, I asked some of our writers to share their hopes for our future, this year and beyond.

As the editor of TNE, I'm proud to be part of this growing community where hope is persistent; a quality that each of our creatives exemplifies and shares with others.

— Serena Prieto

Rachel Harvey

'I want people to see that everything is possible. It is possible for our entire lives as we know it to change, so we must embrace it and learn to adapt to make it work for us. It is possible for life to be taken away, so we must value those who we love. It is possible to learn new facts and skills when we tackle something with the right mindset. It is possible to be alone but not lonely and to live without the small things for a while. To create our own fun. To push ourselves through moments of struggle.'

Zoha Naser

'While 2020 has brought a lot of challenges, it has opened our eyes to the power of young people standing together for change. Togetherness characterises 2020; communities of people standing in solidarity, clapping for carers in the peak of the pandemic and protests to support the Black Lives Matter movement. People have shone through this year. It's testament to the idea that when we come together and stand strong, we can make an impact. I feel optimistic that communities will come together against whatever life throws at us. While there is work to be done, we will emerge stronger on the other side.

Chloe Sanyu

'I think many can share the sentiment that they are tired of 2020. So many people want to hop straight to 2021 and put this year behind. As I look back at the last eight months, I don't think that it's 2020 which is tiring; it's the visible wounds of social inequality, made deeper by coronavirus. I long for this to be the year that has a lasting impact. I want to see our society go forward and look to solutions for tackling injustices that run throughout our world. I want the future to be brighter, and for people to have a consistent and strong voice; to speak out fearlessly. 2020, so far you've been tiring and exhausting, but I'm grateful that you've shown the world that something needs to change, for good, and importantly, together.'

Zahra Awan

'It's a question of normality. Strange times. Unusual circumstances. I believe such words describe today because of the unlucky, doomsday association with our present times. The current situation is uncanny and for many pessimistic. We've had wildfires, threats of wars, ongoing wars, explosions, deaths of idols, extreme weather, riots and the pandemic. Not exactly what we meant when we wished for more time off school, work and society. It is a period which has not only affected the lives of millions of organisations and businesses but is also a personal struggle; everyone is affected. Naturally, these times have varying impacts on individuals. For myself, I've found the prolonged periods of times alone in lockdown lead to the classic spirals of "who am I?" - to the question "why not have the fourth packet of crisps?' It is the nature of today, but amongst the waiting and less important questions, we have made revelations. Despite the enforced separation and distance, I see us standing together. I think this period has shown us the worst and best of humanity. It has driven us to a point where we can only improve. As Norman Ali Khan said: "When you find yourself in a position to help someone, be happy because you're answering their prayer." I hope to see the betterment of the global community. I desire to see love as no others have shared before.'