January is a time people try and start new habits in order to create a better, healthier self. While working out more and eating cleaner are commendable, we think that there are five goals that every Xavier student should consider adding to their list in order to make the spring semester and 2015 the best year yet. This is the “New year, new you: Xavier edition.”
1. Stop skipping class on purpose
Let’s be honest, we all skip class more than we care to admit. There has never been a day that we would rather go sit in a lecture instead of binge-watching Netflix or going for early margaritas with our friends. But going to class is important! Aside from being here to prepare yourself for a career, this might be your last time to be in a classroom. Bond with your classmates over that awful pop quiz, make friends with your professor so they might write you an awesome letter of recommendation, and (just maybe) learn something you didn’t know before.
How to stick to this resolution: make a friend in class so you feel obligated to go. Don’t leave that other girl stranded in US History without a friend!
2. Going to more Xavier-sponsored events
Just like it might be your last time in the classroom, this might be the last time you ever feel that school spirit! You might miss the basketball games, Muskies After Dark, concerts, Late Night Movies, and Battle of the Bands more than you thought you would once you’ve graduated. Take advantage of all the free things around campus while you still have the chance.
How to stick to this resolution: if you’re not busy, just go. You can always leave if you’re not having fun.
3. Explore Cincinnati
For some, this may be the only time you’ll live in this city. Take advantage of all the cool (and free!) things Cincinnati has to offer. Check our some of our favorite like Devou Park, Newport Aquarium, Mount Adams, and Fountain Square. Cincinnati is just big enough that you can explore, but small enough that you’re never too far away from campus.
How to stick to this resolution: pick one place to visit every month and plan it with your roommates. Have something to look forward to that won’t break the bank.
4. Take more pictures
No, we’re not talking about selfies. Preserve those memories with your friends that you’ll want to have forever. With cameras on all of our phones it’s super easy to grab your friends and take pictures. We don’t recommend putting all of those pictures from a party up on your Facebook, but you’ll want to have them after you graduate!
How to stick to this resolution: make sure your phone is charged before you leave to go out. Then you don’t have to worry about wasting your battery snapping a couple pictures!
5. Let yourself enjoy college
We’re all guilty of letting ourselves think too much about the future. Will we graduate on time? Will we get a job? Will we get a job that we actually like? The worries are seriously never-ending. Don’t let yourself get so stressed out that you forget to live in the moment. In the famous words of Ferris Bueller, “If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.”
How to stick to this resolution: take some time every week for yourself. Hang out with friends, read a book, go someplace new, or go to a Xavier event.