Opinion: The Top 5 Positive Events from 2024

Yes, I know what you’re thinking: Good things happened in 2024? Well, that depends on who you ask, but I can confidently say that there were several moments that brought joy and inspiration. Finding five of my favorite highlights wasn’t easy, but after some reflection, here are my top picks from the year.
1. The Olympics in Paris
The Summer Olympics, held in Paris, France, were a celebration of global unity in a world often divided. The Olympics always remind us of the power of sportsmanship, where athletes from around the world come together to compete at the highest level. Of course, it’s always exciting to see Team USA top the medal count again, but what makes these moments even more special for me is seeing local athletes shine. This year, several gold medalists hailed from the Washington, D.C. area, including swimmer Katie Ledecky, who’s from Bethesda, Maryland, and Tory Husk, who hails from Arlington, Virginia. Another, Noah Lyles, a gold medalist in track and field, is from Alexandria. It's inspiring to see athletes from my home region achieving greatness on the world stage. I can’t wait for the Winter Olympics in 2026—though I admit, I may experience a bit of FOMO wishing I could be in the Olympic Village!
2. AI’s Growth
Whether you’re a fan or not, one thing is clear: 2024 was a landmark year for artificial intelligence. With the rise of new AI platforms like Apple Intelligence, AI continued to shape our daily lives, from simplifying household tasks to advancing research in complex fields like medicine. While AI certainly has its drawbacks, its positive impact on productivity, creativity, and healthcare cannot be ignored. The real question now is: can we maintain this momentum for the future, and how will we address its potential risks?
3. The Boom in Weight Loss Medications
In 2024, weight loss medications like Wegovy (Semaglutide) and Ozempic surged in popularity, thanks to their growing availability and improved formulations. These medications, while not without side effects, have shown promising results in helping individuals combat obesity and its related health conditions. Many users experienced a reduction in heart-related issues, such as hypertension and high cholesterol, and some even saw improvements in their diabetes management. While the obesity rate remains high, the increasing availability of effective treatments offers hope for a healthier future—and hopefully, a shift in health policy to address this ongoing issue.
4. The Music Craze in 2024
I’m not the biggest Taylor Swift fan, but there’s no denying the impact of her Eras Tour, which became the largest music tour in history. Along with other major artists like Charlie XCX, The Rolling Stones, and Coldplay, the music industry saw record-breaking ticket sales and an undeniable cultural shift. The benefits of music extend beyond entertainment; it’s also a powerful tool for mental health. The widespread success of these artists' tours not only boosted the economy through ticket and travel sales, but it also brought people together, creating a sense of community that can only be experienced at live concerts.
5. Moo Deng, the Internet’s Favorite Hippo
Sometimes, the best things are the simplest. Enter Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo born in July at a zoo in Thailand. This adorable little hippo quickly became an internet sensation, with her pictures and videos taking over social media. It’s hard not to fall in love with her playful and endearing antics. In a year filled with uncertainty and challenges, it’s refreshing to have something as pure and joyful as Moo Deng to lift our spirits.
