At the beginning of 2016, it is tradition for people to make resolutions for the upcoming year: setting goals for the betterment of themselves and their future. But, as the month of of February comes to a close, some New Year’s resolutions have held up better than others.
“My New Year’s resolution was to not get so stressed out about everything,” junior Leah Egan said. “I have a super busy schedule and a lot going on this year, so I’m just trying to find more time to relax. So far I’ve been pretty good at sticking to it, but we will see how long that lasts!”
Goals are either long term, typically lasting over a year, or short-term, lasting anywhere from a week, to a month, to several months. For senior Gwenn Pietrowski, the future includes both types of goals.
“I really want to try and stop spending money on food, or at least spend less money on food. It’s going alright but it’s hard sometimes! Eating out is almost a social thing,” Pietrowski said.
And on a more serious and long term note, Pietrowski intends to stay positive about her high school career and the impending end.
“I’ve tried not to be so stressed about high school in general,” Pietrowski said. “I have to keep reminding myself that high school is such a small, small portion of our lives, and we’re all gonna turn out okay.”
For students like Egan and Pietrowski, school was on their minds when dreaming up long-term resolutions for the new year. But for junior Nate Hughes, dance is the only thing on his mind.
“My New Year’s resolution is to become the best dancer I can possibly be,” Hughes said. “If that means I must stay up for countless hours practicing and researching videos of the pros hitting the quan or dabbing, then gosh dang it, I’ll do it!”
Although it was hard to stick to some resolutions a month later, Egan feels she has made the right decision by sticking to her resolutions.
“I’ve tried New Year’s resolutions in the past, but I haven’t stuck to them like I have this year because they didn’t affect me like stress does. If I could give one piece of advice for sticking to your goals, it would definitely be pick something that is close to you or will actually impact your life,” Egan said.
Whether the outcome is improved happiness or health, Pietrowski’s resolutions have a professionally predicted outcome.
“In all honesty, of the many resolutions I’ve made for 2016, the one that had been going the best so far is my goal to floss more. Its really helping my teeth, which my dentist said will really improve the overall look of my smile,” Pietrowski said.
These students feel that although resolutions are sometimes difficult to follow, the positive results that come with following them are worth it in the end.
“This month I’ve been hitting dance moves anywhere and at anytime. I’ll even hit the dab when I sneeze for example,” Hughes said. “What can I say, I’m just a happier guy when I’m dancing and making people laugh.”