From the very first day in Kindergarten to the last day of senior year, students have been plagued with the question of “What is your New Year’s resolution?” But as another year rolls around, the real question is: “Do students actually believe in New Year’s resolutions anymore, or are we all just saying what’s expected?” 

Many students said that they still make New Year’s resolutions, but they’re almost impossible to keep. Sophomore Anna Massey admitted, “I used to make resolutions, but then I would never follow through on them. This year I really want to, but we’ll see how it goes.” With getting busier and having more obligations, resolutions are harder to keep up with and maintain. Others see these as a reset for a new year. Sophomore Ansley Kirbo says, “I like trying to start fresh in the new year. Having a resolution just makes me feel more productive, and it gives me something to work towards.” For some students, even if they don’t follow through perfectly, it’s still nice to have something to work towards.

So what are students actually doing for their resolution this year? The most popular category has been academic-related. With school becoming harder and harder, students are less focused on spending more time with friends and instead just want to pass their AP physics class. Junior Avery Wicker said, “I really want to stop procrastinating and finally get some work done on time.” Students of all ages have been changing their goals to raise their grades or improve their studying. A sad consequence of getting older.

Another big category for the year has been focusing more on mental health and wellness. In an age where cellphones are glued to your hand, it’s important to take a break once in a while, and sophomore Carmen Lall has made it her goal to get some separation from her phone. She says, “I’m always on my phone at night, and it makes me stay up so late. I hate being tired all the time, so I really want to be on my phone less next year.” Maturing brings a whole to light to goals and resolutions because you learn what is good and bad for you, along with what you need to stop.

In the end, whether students follow their resolutions or not is controversial but one thing is clear: as you mature and grow, you learn what you need and what you should do to become a better person. As the clocks count down to the New Year,  students across the school are looking forward to new goals and new habits.