What can I really say about 2016? As with every year in a young person’s life, there have been triumphs and tribulations this year that have made me into the person sitting here today. 2017 will, undoubtedly, help me to grow even more! 2016, through all its good and bad, has taught me a thing or two, things that I have turned into my goals for 2017. Living these goals will not be easy, in fact, they will probably be a pain in the butt 99% of the time, but I am confident that they will also help me to sit here a year from now having grown and changed for the better!

17 Goals for a Great 2017:

1. Cherish friendships, spend time with family, and appreciate the little moments more.

This is a year that will see friends start to graduate and leave college, family move away and start their own separate lives, and friendships flourish and perish. This year will be one that challenges relationships because of the stress and rigor of it. Junior and senior year are not times that are easy on any relationship and don’t leave much time for fun, so really live in the moment and enjoy every second with those you love.

2. On that note, surround yourself with people that will make you better!

We all have those people in our lives who constantly challenge us, push us to be better, and change who we are. I will be the first to admit that I don’t always cherish these people as much as I should. These are the friends that you will look back on fondly, the friends that you will have for the rest of your life. So, put time into those friendships. Evaluate who is making you a better person, who are you making a better person, and whose friendship seems to be less than satisfactory. Push those you care about to care more for themselves, others, and you! This is a year to evaluate relationships and develop them.

3. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain and stand up for your beliefs.

This one if hard. I mean, all of these are hard, but this one is especially difficult. To say that you should stand up for your beliefs and to do it are very different things. I have learned in 2016 how quickly friendships can be lost because of differing beliefs. Here’s my advice, don’t compromise yourself but don’t insult your friends either. If you feel strongly that something isn’t right, say something. Don’t, however, assume that others agree. Explain your problem, ask others opinion, and try to understand why they think what they think. I’m not saying that you need to change your opinion or even come to an understanding, but standing up and calling something that goes against what you believe is freeing, and your friends will understand you better for it.

4. Don’t buy into stereotypes

This has been so huge during my three years in college. Stereotypes are these ugly expectations that we have built in our heads, and they can tear so much apart. These stereotypes are about everything from people to classes to the college experience in general. Don’t let your own expectations dictate your experience, let your experiences dictate themselves. Keep an open mind, don’t feel pressure to do what you feel is expected, do your own things and just experience all that life can offer.

5. On that note, pay attention to what your weekend decisions are doing to yourself and those around you.

This is an argument with two sides. If you go out a lot, make sure that you are still thinking of those around you. You eventually have to choose if alcohol is worth compromising friendships for. This is, however, not to say that you can never drink, but also don’t let it ruin your life. On an inverse, if you do not go out, don’t let that ruin friendships with people that do. The key here is understanding others choices, respecting them, and communicating if there is a problem. Just try to keep what will be important to you in 30 years in perspective as you negotiate these waters with your friends.

6. Love your body more.

This is, again, so hard to do on a whim, but it can start today. One day you just have to get out of bed, decide you love your body and yourself, and live it. Do the same the next day and the next until, suddenly, it’s a habit. Eat healthy, work out, find a way to exercise that makes you happy. Pay attention to what you put into your body. Pay attention to pains, aches, and what your body is telling you. Work to make your body healthy, not skinny. No matter what, remember that this is your one body, you cannot trade it in 20 years down the road, so be kind to it.

7. It’s okay to be selfish sometimes.

This is something that I struggle with a lot. When homework is crashing down on you and there seems to be no time to sleep let alone eat or do something fun, it’s okay to say no to something. Whether is be a club or sorority meeting or event, a social outing, or even a boss asking for your help over your scheduled time, it’s okay to say no. In fact, it’s healthy to say no. If there is one thing that I have learned through this year so far it’s that sleep is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Don’t overstress yourself trying to do everything for everyone. Focus on what you deem the most important and make time for things that are special to you. Don’t feel bad about saying no to the 15th sorority bake sale this semester or to a party in lieu of sleep, do what’s best for you!

8. Put your mental health first in your life.

This is probably the most important goal on this list. Struggling with mental health is something that so many people go through, but also something that few people talk about. Put your mental health first, above clubs, events, and even school. If you are struggling with mental health, seek help. I have seen too many amazing people suffer for years at the hand of mental health issues, they have ruined friendships and ripped apart families. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, say it’s too much, or to talk about your struggles. You never know how people can help you or how you can help people.

9. Push yourself to be better.

Push yourself to be the best version of you. This seems cliche and innate, but it is something that you need to think about and choose to do. Look at the good in everyday, don’t focus on the bad. Do all of your homework even if it means cancelling plans with friends so that you know you will be prepared for the test. Be kind to people who you think you don’t like. Throw your preconceived notions out the window. Don’t judge people for living differently than you. If you don’t push yourself to be better, who will push you? This is a change that must come from inside yourself and something that will improve your entire life if you commit to it.

10. Be kind to yourself and others.

As a teacher, I cringe every time that I have to say this to a student. In middle school it is cool to be mean, to say something terrible, and to celebrate it with your friends. Most people, however, think that we grow out of this. We don’t (at least some people don’t). So here I am, shouting it from the rooftops, BE KIND. Showing a little kindness to someone else is so simple. It’s a smile while walking past someone on the way to class. Its refusing to gossip about someone. Its helping a classmate with notes when they miss. Kindness is quick and easy, it’s something that makes you feel as good as the person it was shown too. Yet, so many people refuse to be kind. Don’t refuse. Be kind to every person, animal, place, and thing you encounter and you will have the most positive life.

11. Hold yourself accountable.

When you go to college, whether home or away, there is something so different than every other schooling experience. No teachers know your parents, no one will send a note home to mom saying that you didn’t do your homework or failed a test. All of the sudden, no one is there telling you that you HAVE to do something, it’s all about if you want to or not. Hold yourself accountable. You should be doing your homework, studying for your test, and staying on top of your academics, that is why you are at school. This, however, extends further than that. Hold yourself accountable for your decisions. If you make a mistake, admit it. If you do something great, don’t be ashamed to take credit for it. If your decision hurts people, apologize for it. You are the one making these decisions, make sure you don’t try to find a copout or someone to blame. Accountability will make your life healthier and happier.

12. Realize that you are bigger than just yourself.

Things you do affect more than just you. Look around you. The people you interact with and the places that you live are affected by you. Think about what you are eating, how it was made, and if it is killing the earth. Think about the plate you are eating it on, can you eat on a plate and wash it instead of eating on a paper or plastic plate? Can you buy food with less wrapping? Can you make decisions to lessen the wear and tear on the earth? On another note, think of the people that are around you. When you are in college, people look up to you. It sounds strange I know, but it’s true. Whether younger people in your college town, freshman, or even your friends. Act like a role model. While you are out grocery shopping in town, be polite and respectful. On campus, be kind and considerate. Act like you hope the future generations will act. You are bigger than just yourself, what you are doing will leave your mark on the world.

13. Make less waste.

This goal is one that will improve your life so much. Make less waste in every part of your life. For people, work hard and commit yourself to friendships. When the going gets tough, fight. Don’t just let people slip through your fingertips. Now, think about the earth. The world. There is so much packaging on everything we buy. We make so much waste while eating, but also just while living our lives. Try to buy food with less or no packaging, I guarantee it will make you healthier. Try to drink water, and out of a reusable bottle or container, it will save you money and save some waste. Make sure you recycle papers you used while studying. DIY cleaners and other household items without harsh chemicals. Do your part to make this earth a better place.

14. Dream big, but do your research.

Ahh, yes, the adultie one. I implore you, dream big. Dream so big that it is terrifying, that it doesn’t quite seem possible, that you can’t even think of the possibility of it actually coming true. This is the time in your life when dreaming the unthinkable can make it thinkable, when opportunities present themselves from the most unexpected places, and when you can still dictate your future. So do it, dream, but also do your research. It is your responsibility to know the practical limitations of your dream. Know that you need to get an A in a class before the week of the final. Know that a certain class is required to go to grad school. Know that an internship is one field will help you get your dream job. Dream about changing the world in whatever way you can, but have some idea of how to actually make it happen too!

15. Push yourself academically.

On that note, push yourself academically. We only get a few years in college, so don’t waste them. Push yourself, take hard classes, and work hard for what you get. If you don’t get an A, admit defeat, learn from it, and improve for the next class, don’t whine your way into it. If you want the A, work hard, study more than you think you need to, commit yourself to being the absolute best student that you can be. No matter what teacher you get, the reputation of the class, or even the subject matter, with enough hard work you can succeed. It is up to you to hold yourself accountable, devote the time and effort, and become the best student that you can be.

16. Know what kind of uncomfortable you are feeling.

Being uncomfortable with these changes is natural. Being uncomfortable with all the changes of college is natural. Facing new territory and doing new things is a way that you learn and grow in college. It is one of the most amazing parts of these four years. When you feel “out of your element” it is probably because you are growing from the experience. If, however, you feel uncomfortable with a person, a situation, or an experience, don’t be afraid to give it a piece of your mind, leave it, and tell someone about it. There is a distinct difference between feeling uncomfortable but excited about a new experience, something that you have never done before but are ready to do now, and feeling uncomfortable and unsafe. If you feel uncomfortable and unsafe, get out of the situation immediately. No feeling is worth having a terrible situation transpire over. No amount of love, alcohol, or friendship makes sexual assault or any non-consensual situation okay. Know what kind of uncomfortable you are feeling and don’t be afraid to act on that.

17. Commit to being a better you.

Let’s be honest, these goals are terrifying. They are changes to every single part of your life, and they are immense changes to a typical daily routine. These changes will not be easy. They will actually be so hard, and I know that. There will be days that you just cannot do it, you cannot be kind, you cannot love yourself, you cannot change, and that’s okay. It is human to struggle, but if you can only commit to one thing, make it this. Be a better you. This probably encompasses many of the previous goals, but sit down, look at your life, and make a plan to improve it. Be a better you than you thought possible. Be a better you than others think is possible. Show the world just how amazing you are, because I promise, you are! If 2017 is going to be anything, it can be the year of you.