As not only the year ends, but also the decade, the common practice of creating New Year’s resolutions becomes important again. The idea of “new year, new me” takes over as people set goals for 2020, each with different intentions and motives.

“One of my New Year’s resolutions is to get stronger” said Ms. Young, math teacher at Prep, “My resolutions do usually relate to my long-term goal of being healthier.” Ms. Young is not only a math teacher at Prep, but also is very involved in the Outdoors Club, which spends time hiking and rock climbing. Being a part of this club and her goal of getting stronger are very closely related, and constantly build off each other. Creating a resolution that can be accomplished by doing things you have already incorporated into your daily schedule, like what Ms. Young has done, makes a goal much more obtainable and realistic.

As for students, most resolutions relate to personal goals, typically outside of school. Not as much related to sports or social life, but more personal resolutions relating to long term goals.

“My New Year’s resolution is to stop procrastinating and be more optimistic about myself,” says Paolo Almario’23, “I guess it’s focused on myself and how I affect others because I need to develop myself as a person to be more optimistic and driven.” Although Paolo has other goals in soccer and school, he saw a goal in his personal life the most important for the New Year.

“My New Year’s resolution is every day to think of at least three things that I am grateful for” Says Olivia Pasco’23. This goal, again, helps to improve her personal image of herself. Just like many other students and teachers, Olivia recognized an aspect of her life that she felt was lacking and set a goal that will work to improve that aspect and build on her overall personality and self-image.

When it comes to why people create New Year’s Resolutions, the overall theme is new year, new me. “I love the idea of a fresh start. As a teacher, I get two new years- one on January 1, and the other on the first day of school,” Says Ms. Young in response to the question; Why do you make New Year’s Resolutions?

“I make resolutions because I never feel like I’m the best person I can be and I am never able to find the motivation to become that person, but it feels like if it’s a new year I really can be a new me, so I take it one step at a time with my goals.” says Paolo, “It’s not like you can lose anything by making one [a New Year’s resolution] so why not, right?”

Although motives and resolutions vary, it can safely be said that on January first almost everybody has something they are working towards for the New Year; a resolution building toward a better self.