Editor's note: 2020 will soon be over, even though it feels like it's been going on for a decade. This year has had so many world-changing events, and there is no simple way to sum it up. But when faced with the very worst, there were ordinary people who remained positive, optimistic and energetic. There was also courage, sacrifice, heroism and hope, which made up the touching moments of 2020. CGTN Global Stringer invited people from different countries to share their heartwarming stories.

Yang Ying is a second-year graduate student at New York University. She is currently working on a legal consultancy services project in New York. 

During her initial days in the city, Yang suffered hardships owing to her unfamiliarity with the local laws. She soon realized that there were many other international students encountering similar troubles. 

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic this year, she continued to work hard on building her business. In one of its first feats, her legal firm helped a domestic violence victim secure a protection order from a court. 

During the pandemic, Yang was very touched when she received a health package from China. 

Recalling the past year's events, Yang called 2020 "quite harsh." 

With the advent of COVID-19 vaccines, the situation is developing in a positive direction, she said, and one of her takeaways from this year is to "enjoy living in the moment."

Supervisor: Pang Xinhua

Executive Producer: Li Xiangyang

Chief Editor: Qin Xiaohu

Assistant Producer: Zhang Kaiyue

Original Screenplay: Wang Yueer

Editor: Jin Yujia

Copy Editor: Khushboo Razdan

Cover Image: Fan Chenxiao