At the beginning of every school year, we often start a new experience totally nervous yet hopeful or with the mindset of “Here we go again- another year.” Imagine how different a year of college could be if you made a New School Year’s Resolution. Of course, you could go with the obvious weight loss goal, but what about considering totally new ideas? Dive into a new activity, make friends with people that you never thought you would, look at your classes a bit differently. Having a New School Year’s Resolution does not mean that you simply have to change what is on the outside!
-Join a new organization
There’s something for everyone, from sports and a cappella to dance groups! Of course, you could join a group to stay active, make friends, or have a little fun, but there’s always the option to join something that could impact your future after college. There are plenty of pre-professional organizations and clubs that relate to majors, not to mention research and internship opportunities. Although college is a time of exploration, fun times and discovery, it’s also a serious time. It would be sad to put in four years work and not take advantage of everything that could assist you along the way!
-Rethink your class schedule
When creating your classes for the year, there are major and GenEd requirements to consider, but what about looking at a class that is totally random? Gen Eds, mostly for freshmen and sophomores, serve as a way to get a feel for what you’d like to major in. There are also times later on in college that you could take a look at something that simply interests you and isn’t just a set of skills that could get you a job. For example, students in the Honors Program are offered a seminar that examines the possibility of life on other planets. You could even think of getting a minor in something else you love, like Music or Art.
Classes are essentially why we come to
college,and luckily when I
asked a few students for their opinions on New School Year’s Resolutions, they referred to classes. Junior English major Michelle Michael mentioned setting goals and doing well in classes. She said, “Education is the most important thing regardless of what year you are in school and it’s good to set goals to help you do well in all your classes.” Senior Nursing major and RA Brooke Garrity’s response also had to do with classes. She said, “Release all the negative feelings and bad thoughts you had about the previous year in order to start over fresh.
Also you shouldn’t go into a class dreading it or the teacher because then it won’t be a positive experience. An open mind is a crucial part of starting a new year.”
-Embrace your individuality
We’ve all been told since our childhood days that we need to be comfortable in our own skin. The basic style around campus is some sort of athletic pants or shorts, t shirts, and tennis shoes. Don’t get sucked into what’s expected! Never be afraid to pull out your colorful Converse, your cowgirl boots, or a simple and chic black dress. Your style shows JMU who you really are, and if you’re dressed cute enough, it could land you in our upcoming Glamour sections! So ladies, watch out and look fierce. Unveiling that confidence could help you ease through your year.
Being individual isn’t just limited to letting loose your inner fashion goddess. Rather than just going through the motions of a lab, try to find excitement in it. Being the true student you are and not just what everyone else is like not only makes learning easier, but it shows your professors that you’re interested and the next time you need help, they’ll be more willing to lend a hand.
-Enjoy being a Duke!!!
Sure, we all have at least ten or so JMaddy shirts (and maybe even a pair of sweatpants), but it takes more than clothes to be a part of the JMU community. Enjoy this because come graduation, you’ll miss the random smiles and hellos you receive as you walk through the Village, or screaming in the student section during home games. Be sure, also, to do your part as a student. Recycle as much as you can, flip the light if you’re the last one out of room, and hold door open for people- even if you’re standing there for a few minutes.
So remember, keep an open mind about classes, embrace who you are and dive into something new. Make this your year to have a New School Year’s Resolution!