The Gift of Animal Crossing

Looking back on 2020, there were so many days filled with uncertainty, anxiety, and sadness. I had finally felt more comfortable in my new job and was becoming friends with my coworkers. I have a coworker, Lee, who would frequently walk to Starbucks with me in the morning and sometimes for a 3 pm pick-me-up caffeine run. Lee and I became friends and I truly appreciate having them in the office. I valued our new friendship even more when we started working remotely from home.

There were so many days were it almost seemed like time did not exist. I look back at the various stages of this pandemic, from getting accumulated with Zoom meetings, coworkers being obsessed with finding funny Zoom backgrounds to binge watching Tiger King and trying to make the viral TikTok whipped coffee. People were doing everything they could to fill up their space, their time, and to distract themselves from the unknown of each passing day. I was most excited to see Animal Crossing becoming more popular for the Nintendo Switch.

I remembered playing my very first Animal Crossing game, it was for the GameCube and I was quickly obsessed. There was something so pleasant about creating your town, getting to know your neighbors, building your house, and getting mail. It was an escape from all the troubles of growing up. I felt that this game grew up with me. From playing my first Animal Crossing game as a child to playing it on the Nintendo DS as a teenager, to now being an adult and it being released on the Nintendo Switch.

Lee had mentioned how I should get the game for my Switch and we could visit each other and play after work. It was a nice thought, but the game was expensive and I did not want to spend the money on it. As the pandemic continued and months passed, trends and various past time activities changed. I honestly forgot about wanting Animal Crossing.

Christmas rolled around and Lee and I exchanged Christmas gifts. I opened my gift and there it was - Animal Crossing for my Nintendo Switch. I truly was speechless, I have never been given such a nice gift from a friend before let alone a coworker. It truly touched my heart because it was such a kind gift.

Good deeds can be big or small, but with everything that has been going on in the world, I truly believe that a good deed brings a little bit of good, a little bit of kindness, and a little bit of hope to others. Lee’s gift of Animal Crossing provided me with the warmth of friendship, but also a reminder that the kindness and generosity of others can really help you heal. I struggled a lot last year with my mental health, but Lee’s friendship was something that was constant. They were always there to listen and support me. Time does not equal success sometimes, and I was so fortunate to have made such a great friend last year.

I know it might sound silly that a video game can bring me so much joy, but being provided an escape to my little island, truly has made a huge difference in this new year. I was given an outlet to escape when being an adult gets a little too difficult. I hope to be as generous and selflessness as Lee with every passing day. I hope I can be a better friend and coworker to others as well.