Teen Talk
The 365th Night Reflection
By Stephanie Courtois
The clock strikes twelve and a burst of joyful roars echoes throughout the room. The adults toast their champagne glasses and the young ones holler with their noise makers. It’s a festive evening and a time for change.
New Year’s is a fresh start for everyone. It is around this time, that a tradition tells us to kick bad habits and make this year better than the last. On average, a teen’s resolution may vary from a variety of issues yet to be overcome such as losing weight, spending more time with family or getting straight A’s on a report card.
At first, the tasks seem easy to conquer. Usually, it doesn’t take too long before people give up. The temptation is extremely desirable. Last year I had made a pact with myself to cease procrastinating when it comes to weekend homework assignments. Yet, on every Sunday night I continue to work strenuously trying to insure that all of my homework is finished for the next day. I could easily complete it on Friday or Saturday, but in my mind, it’s always impossible.
Resolutions take a great deal of effort to achieve. This is the big question for many; is it genuinely possible to stick to a New Year’s resolution throughout the entire course of the year? The answer to that is absolutely yes. Here are some tips that can help teens follow through on their goals.
For one, it is necessary that a sensible goal is set. Wishing to become valedictorian of the class is unrealistic if that person was not a conscientious student for the majority of high school. A better idea is to study an hour more for a science test to reach a higher grade.
Secondly, think of alternative activities to make a distraction from the bad habit. Partake in extracurricular activities or study groups to enhance the effort.
Lastly, keep a positive mindset. Throughout the year, constantly be aware of the desired goal and envision the benefits of maintaining that resolution. Confidence is key when it comes to a teen’s mentality.
The commencement of a new year spawns the will for improvement in oneself. Whether that set resolution is sustained for the 365 days of the year or just the one is solely based on a personal decision. January 1st marks a time for a change. It is entirely up to you how long it lasts.
Stephanie Courtois is a junior at Wellington High School. She is involved in tae kwon do, French, National and Chemistry Honor Societies, and is the news editor for the school newspaper. She loves journalism and aspires to work for a magazine someday.