As the first semester comes to a close and students leave for winter break, the EHS-hub staff signs off with a few words to think about. These words are our 2018 Words of the year.

Scandalous: making people shocked and upset

To be scandalous would be to upset someone or a group of people. Obviously, anything anyone says or does will offend or shock someone else, but in 2018 the scandals were flying. The #metoo movement found nearly 150 public figures accused of sexual misconduct. Six Trump staffers have been charged with criminal offenses for colluding with Russia to influence the 2016 Presidential Election while 30 have been indicted. On a local level, Missouri’s Governor Eric Greitens resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations and multiple investigations against him. The behind-closed-doors secrets that came forth in 2018 make the year a scandal all together.

Confrontational: tending to deal with situations in an aggressive way; a face-to-face meeting

Nothing has been dealt with lightly in 2018. Confronting one’s issues and standing up for one’s self has brought people to the forefront of the year. Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered that Saudi journalist and Time Person of the Year Jamal Khashoggi be murdered after Khashoggi took on the corrupt Saudi government in his articles. The #metoo movement fought men of power who had been accused of sexual misconduct by hundreds of women. Students across the country walked out of their classes calling for stricter gun control and battling gun violence in school. Seven states filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and his plan to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. If there was a problem or disagreement in 2018, someone took a stance against it.

Uncontrollable: incapable of being controlled or restrained

The East Coast faced two deadly hurricanes. Forest fires raged through the West Coast. Tsunamis and earthquakes hit Asia. From Yemen to the U.S.-Mexico border, humanitarian crises are plaguing those in need. The continued unprecedented events of the Trump administration have been untamed. The U.S. essentially had a trade war with China while the Russia-Ukraine conflict is reaching new heights. Cholera and Ebola have broken out in Africa. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a war-ridden country or refugees seeking asylum, this year has been wild, relentless and uncontrollable.

The EHS-hub will be signing off until Jan. 3 unless there is breaking news.