New Years resolutions are difficult. They take time, commitment, and a whole lot of patience. And more likely than not, we typically don't keep our resolutions for more than a few days... a few weeks if we're really determined. This year, I'm taking a different route on New Years resolutions, a route that I think more students need to take. I'm going to put people first. And what I mean by that is I'm planning to be a better daughter to my parents, granddaughter to my grandparents, niece to my aunts and uncles, sister to not only my sister by blood, but also my sisters in Sigma Kappa, and friend to the wonderful people I've surrounded myself with.

You see, something hit me this winter break. In just one year, I lost three of my relatives, two to cancer and one to Alzheimer's. And that's when I realized that I can't go on losing anyone else in my life without being the best possible version of myself to them all. With that being said, I plan on doing things differently as a part of my day-to-day schedule.

1. I'm going to call home more often.

In the past two and a half years, on average, I called home about once a week. Between school, club meetings, and hanging out with my friends, here just simply didn't seem to be a good time to call. And when I did call, I typically called my parents and occasionally my sister. All of that is changing. I'm going to make the time in my 24 hour days to call my mom during her lunch break; to call my dad during his dinner break; to call my sister after she gets off work; to call my grandmother when I'm walking home from class. There will never be a bad time to call home, because any time I get to talk to my family will be a good time, whether it's at 8:00 A.M. or 11:00 P.M. We'll all appreciate the 10+ minute phone call.

2. I'm going to write more letters.

When was the last time we wrote someone a letter that wasn't a thank you card? Probably about ten years ago. But it occurred to me that handwritten letters have so much meaning behind them. The writer of the letter took the time out of their day to write down their thoughts and share them with you. So I'm going to write more letters. I'm going to take the time the hour out of my days to write to a relative, a friend, a sorority sister and let them know I'm thinking of them because everyone deserves to be thought of.

3. I'm going to pay better attention.

I'm going to be all ears. When I'm having a conversation, I will be fully engaged. I want to be able to recall the conversations I have with my family, friends, and sisters. I want to learn more about the people around me each and every day. I'm going to appreciate these conversations and relationships I've gained in college and hope to continue to gain in the next year and a half.

The family and friends that I've been blessed with mean more to me than my own life. This year, I'm going to do everything that I can -- no matter how big or small -- to show my appreciation for each and every single one of them. We aren't guaranteed a next year or even a tomorrow. And because of that, I promise to put people first every chance that I get.