As depressing as it is to walk up Science Hill at 4:30 p.m. in the dark, bundled in so many layers that you can barely put your arms to your side, it’s all worth it. The promise of going home for the holidays in one week’s time, opening gifts, being greeted by all the animals in my house — three dogs and two sisters to be exact — makes it bearable for me.  

Can you believe we’ve successfully navigated our way through the first semester? One year’s end means another year’s beginning. We made it, and now it’s time to tackle the infamous New Year’s resolutions.

I know what you’re thinking: New Year’s resolutions are bullshit. I sort of think so too. I always have the same ones, and everytime December rolls around, I haven’t done what I set out to do. Usually, I resolve to go to the gym more, manage my time better, drink more water, blah blah blah. I never do them. But here I am, brainstorming new resolutions to escape my inability to complete the old ones. 

I’m not going to sit here and promise that I’ll stick to the plan this year because that would be a lie. But I would be cheating myself if I didn’t at least set a few goals to lightly guide me through the new year. 

1. Actually attend all my classes

I know, shocking concept, right? But sometimes the allure of my cozy bed is just too strong. This year, I’m vowing attempting to resist the siren call of the snooze button and embrace the enlightening experience that is a 9 a.m. lecture on biology, sans midday naps. 

2. Stop responding to the “u up?” texts.

Everyone has that person that they spend a lot of time with, but never really get to know. Sure, the allure of a spontaneous late-night rendezvous may still linger, but my sleep schedule can’t take much more of this. The promise of something more substantial has me intrigued. This year, I’m swapping late-night texts for conversations that leave a lasting impression. 

3. Learn. To. Drive. 

Yes, you read that right. I am 18 years old and without a driver’s license. This is less of a resolution and more of a requirement because it’s just embarrassing at this point. I can no longer bear the looks of horror on my peers’ faces when they learn that I have neither my license nor my permit. This year marks the epic quest to transform from a pedestrian extraordinaire to a master of the open road.

4. Read more, watch less.

In a world dominated by bright screens, I’ve decided to embark on an adventure — one that involves flipping the pages of actual books. No more endless scrolling through social media feeds or succumbing to the hypnotic glow of Netflix. Instead, I’ll try trading pixels for paper, and enjoy the rush of getting lost in a good story. I’ll be setting screen time limits with the same determination I’ll ignore them with.  

As we turn the page on our calendars and welcome in the promise of a new year, let’s take on our resolutions with confidence and determination. May our resolutions be more than mere checkmarks on our to-do lists — may they be the stories we write, the lessons we learn and the lies we tell. 

A happy early new year from me to you.