Sweat drips from his face, his muscles ache, and he gasps for air. As senior Lavelle Baines finishes another demanding workout, he writes down his accomplishment and puts it in a jar to track his progress. With each piece of paper, the jar’s content grows, and so too does his confidence. Baines used this technique to lose weight, and suggests others to utilize it in reaching their goals as well.
With 2015 quickly approaching,  amidst the holiday cheer and preparations, many students begin creating their New Year’s resolutions.

Some work for better grades, others pledge to exercise more, and some hope to find a job.

For many seniors, their goals involve graduating and going to college or joining the workforce. This year, Baines strives to be mentally stronger and ready for his life as an adult.

“When you’re about to graduate, you have a lot on your mind. You have to take into consideration that you’re jumping into reality. That’s a big step,” Baines said.
Students who are just starting their high school careers have other aspirations. Sophomore Kayla Shafer’s resolution is to be more active and join more school sports. She is interested in softball, volleyball, and soccer.

“I’ve always been into sports, and it’s fun to be active and participate after school. It gives you something to do,” Shafer said.
Similar to Shafer, other students are resolving to improve their health with the upcoming year. Almost a fourth of the students interviewed had a similar resolution. Shafer finds motivation from her friends to lead a healthier life.

“Just go for it. Make little goals to work towards your big goals and one day you’ll make it,” Shafer said.

For many students, deciding on what to resolve to do is their biggest challenge. In fact, almost half of students interviewed said that they did not yet know their New Year’s resolution. Some have a general idea of what they want to accomplish in the coming year, but have no way of narrowing it down. However, it is not always necessary to have one specific destination. Sometimes, the development during the journey is the most important part.

Sophomore Tiara Whirley’s resolution reflects this idea, because her goal is simply to be the best person she can be, and not let others’ opinions influence her.

“I’ve been told that I’m too smart to be girl. I want to be a role model to my sister,” Whirley said. “Don’t let anyone put your fire out.”

Not everyone will have the same resolutions, because each goal is as unique has the person that makes it. Whirley warns other students of not picking the wrong resolution for them.

“Don’t make a resolution that you know you are not going to keep. [Pick] something difficult but possible,” Whirley said.

Other students face issues with staying motivated and achieving the resolutions they set for themselves, especially if they are long term. Senior Dasha Wyche made a resolution to graduate and become successful.

“[To do this], I have to stay focused and complete all tasks that are assigned to me,” Wyche said.

Wyche made the resolution to be successful because her nephews motivate her to be a better person. She encourages others to be unyielding and make their resolutions come to life.

“My best advice is to be positive, know what you want to achieve, and be patient,” Whirley said.