As I enter my junior year of college, I bring with me the good and bad experiences from the last two years. Each all-night study session or one too many trips to Cookout have given me a wealth of knowledge leading into my third year. This brings me to the new semester resolution. Goals are important, as they allow us to have a direction for which to strive. While resolutions can be lofty at times, if done correctly they can set us up for success even if not perfectly achieved. New semesters are a chance for a fresh start, so take every advantage!

Studying

Obviously, academics and studying come to mind when making a resolution. While having a goal GPA is good, creating ways of attaining it make it more feasible. I resolve to not wait until the last minute to start big paper and projects, giving them the time they deserve for edits. I plan to block off study times for different classes, so I am not a chicken with my head cut off doing work for four courses at once. I’ll try to work in places other than my bed so studying doesn’t always become naptime. I will utilize the planner I buy every year.

Activities

I resolve to give time to the activities I am passionate about. I will work for a resume that shows I am learning outside of the classroom. I will not be a part of 20 clubs, but an active contributor to those five or so that matter to me. While studies should come first, I will make my commitments a priority.

Friends

College has already gone by so fast. I will make as many more memories with my friends as possible. I will cherish the nights out and the movie nights in. I will be a shoulder to cry on when needed, as they are for me. I will hold on to every laughing fit, dance party and study session. Friends make the hard times good and the good times great. I resolve to not forget this.

Self Care

Amongst the inevitable all-nighters and stressful times, I will do my best to not forget to take care of myself. I will make time to go to the gym a few times a week. Not only to stay healthy, but to relieve stress. I will limit the late night snacks and not just stress eat my way through finals. Just because the café is open until 2 a.m., doesn’t mean I need to be up then eating. And speaking of 2 a.m., I resolve to get enough sleep this year. I need to be able to function for 8:30 a.m. classes and that needs more than five hours of sleep.

These are some big goals here. But even accomplishing a portion of these will put me on track for a great semester.