January is the month of new beginnings. It is the start of the New Year, and things are fresh and the feeling of new is lingering in the air.

As the new year begins, New Year’s Resolutions come into effect. “Starting January 1, I will change my careless eating habits, and maintain a healthy diet while getting regular exercise, in order to lose 25 pounds.”

Does that sound familiar?

New Year’s Resolutions are usually extreme goal or expectation that an individual set for themselves. How many people actually stick with their resolution after the first couple of days, maybe weeks. After those few attempts, and false dedicated efforts, reality sets in. The person realizes this new change was not easy to make and it will take a lot of discipline to stick it out.

Now for college students, the month of January is the ending of our winter break and the start of a new semester.

For seniors, this is crutch time due to graduation being around the corner. Juniors probably feel like they just see graduation approaching quickly. Sophomores are excited to finally become upper classman. As for the Freshman, they’re just glad that they survived their first semester.

Here are some suggestions to help accomplish those New Year resolutions:

• Do not procrastinate. Time is the most important possession to a college student. The feeling of being rushed is very agitating and no one like that feeling.
• Learn to say “no.” There are only so many hours in a day.
• Reserve your time and energy for yourself.
• Learn to say “no” early — and to be okay with doing so.
• Ask for help. Whether you need the help or not. Example, you always get a decent grade on your papers but maybe if you went to the writing center, some helpful feedback just might make it an A+ paper.
• Become aware of your health.
• Do not focus on losing a bunch of weight or going to the gym every day, start small and start to make healthier choices. For example, eat at least 2 more fruits or veggies a day, sleep at least 6 hours a night, and exercise 3 times a week.
• Last but not least, find cheap ways to have fun. Managing stress and including fun is needed at times due to how overwork an individual can become.

Students here at AIC, have their own resolutions/ goals they have set for themselves. Tyshawn Boykin, Sport Management major says he wants to eat more salad, get 360 waves, and gain better physically health. Communication major students Kasia Auguste and Samira Abdul-Karim both hope to be productive.

Abdul-Karim also wants to focus on building her legacy and growing her photography business.

Jalah Oates, a Liberal Studies/Education major plans are simple and direct, she plans to get a “4.0, drink more water, continue to grind, save money, and get an internship. I want to make myself available for new opportunities and create platform for myself, travel, and just enjoy my happy life.”

Asyera Clarke, whom is History/Education major wants to focus on building her vocabulary and avoid using derogatory language.

Qubilah Felix who studies Psychology and Liberal Studies states she is “going to be taking care of myself more, no procrastination, the main goal to graduate in the spring.”

Nyishyari Marrero, Sociology/Psychology major is not allowing negativity to stand in her way; “I hope in 2018 I remain positive through trial and tribulations rather than allow negativity to overcome me in all.”

Kenjii Barthelemy who studies Sociology and Business explains his main goal is “trying to be a better me … staying away from nonsense, away from negative people, and trying to put myself in a situation that will be a lot better for my future and family.”

Douglas Powell, Criminal Justice major, on the other hand has a different approach to resolutions.

“There is no need for a new year’s resolution because only 39% of us young adults achieve them because we are not realistic. If you want to make a change do it now,” Powell said.

Robert Hanson, also a Criminal Justice major along with Sociology major explained he too did not have a resolution his main goal is graduate and begin building a solid foundation for his career.

Last not least, Kiana Robinson, General Business major, is using this new year to truly focus on her inner self.

Her goal is to work on loving the beautiful women she is becoming inside and out.

These students may or may not have resolutions but they all have goals they are planning to accomplish. Young people working toward self-growth is always a beautiful thing to see!