New year brings a fresh page of life

The start of a new year represents a clean slate, a chance to start over, look back on our advancements and reflect. We now open a blank 365-page book, if you will. For many of us, it is an opportunity to set new goals and follow old dreams as many people enjoy this necessary motivational pick-me-up in the dead of winter. New resolutions mean new hopes; new hopes mean new opportunities and advancements.

For teenagers, the New Year represents a chance to start and live their lives the way they choose to. They are provided with opportunities to become their own leaders, make important contributions, create new memories and even change the lives of others around them.

“For me, New Year’s is the start of trying new things like being nicer to people and changing the things you don’t like about yourself and improve them,” said junior Cole Kugler.

Sophomore Lindsey Reiter said: “New Year’s means spending time with family and friends and having fun celebrating another year with more memories. After all, it is with whom you choose to surround yourself with that determines what kind of memories you make. Spending time around supportive family and loyal friends are essential for bringing out the best version of ‘you.’”

Senior Alexa Vines gave her insight on how to make this new year great. “Don’t stress over the past because you can’t change it,” she said. “Instead be optimistic. This new year brings 365 days to write a story that can change your future.”

How true. How you chose to live and act in 2014 is solely up to you. It is how you behave and conduct yourself that will determine if you fulfill your resolution.

Whether your resolution is to study more and be more organized or pledge to be more charitable, with motivation and hard work anything is possible. By taking small, gradually increasing steps over the course of 365 days, success will appear before your eyes.

On a personal note, the new year, for me, represents a special time to look back on what I’ve accomplished, count my blessings and set new goals and higher expectations for myself. I take this opportunity to reflect on my obstacles and brainstorm positive solutions to overcome the very same challenges that slowed me down in 2013 and try to tackle them head on in 2014.

Regardless of what you hope to achieve, whether it be the littlest goal or the most complex achievement, I wish you a happy and healthy new year filled with love, success, and tons new memories to cherish.