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Many feared computer systems would crash when the year switched from 1999 to 2000. Nothing major happened, but it marked a huge moment in early-internet culture.
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Following 9/11, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan to target al-Qaeda and the Taliban. It became America’s longest war until ending in 2021.
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On September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks destroyed the World Trade Center and killed nearly 3,000 people. This event reshaped U.S. foreign policy and led to the War on Terror.
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Started by Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook changed how people communicate and helped kick off the modern social media era.
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Obama became the first African American U.S. president. His campaign focused on hope, economic recovery, and healthcare reform.
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The housing market collapsed, banks failed, and millions lost jobs. It became the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.
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U.S. forces located and killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. This was seen as major justice for the victims of 9/11.
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I started playing in a hockey league with one of my friends and played my whole life since.
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Following the shooting of Trayvon Martin, activists created the BLM movement to protest police brutality and racial injustice.
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The Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states. It was a major moment in LGBTQ+ rights history.
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Trump won the 2016 election in a major political upset. His presidency focused on immigration, economic nationalism, and reshaping foreign policy.
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The coronavirus spread worldwide, leading to lockdowns, school shutdowns, and millions of deaths. It dramatically changed everyday life and the global economy.
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Schools and jobs moved online through Zoom, Google Classroom, and virtual platforms, changing how people learn and work.
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Short-form videos exploded in popularity, influencing music, trends, humor, and youth culture everywhere.
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I began my high school years during the COVID era, dealing with online classes, mask rules, and a very different school environment.
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I started lifting and going to the gym every day after school and have been going every day since.
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I got my first job at a seafood restaurant bussing tables and dishwashing while I was a sophomore in high school.
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I was accepted to ECU and started preparing for college, orientation, room selection, meal plans, and everything else.