Closing out fiscal year 2020

It's been tough. It's been incredibly tough. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to change the content of countless lectures (to accommodate online courses), and we've had to hold retakes for entrance exams. That alone is exhausting, but we've also had to face the reality of no conferences (which are constantly online) and no one gathering in our small lab. The COVID-19 pandemic, which seems like nothing more than bullying the weak, has hit not only elderly people and restaurants but also small, self-sufficient labs like ours. However, the internet has allowed us to easily and directly consult with researchers overseas, and we've seen the benefits of online conferences in many ways, eliminating the need for travel and business trips (in fact, allowing us to use our time more effectively). I also have a feeling that online lectures will be more effective and efficient (talented students have been studying even harder and achieving better grades than usual). Taking advantage of the ease of meetings and conferences on Zoom, Webex, and Teams has filled up my schedule, which has been challenging, but I feel like it will also have significant benefits for future research. There's only one day left of this academic year. Now, on to the next.