A new year serves as a fresh start in several different aspects. While many people become passionately determined to break bad habits and achieve personal goals, others reflect on the past and anticipate the time ahead.

The future exclaims potential. Although often made on impulse and difficult to keep, resolutions spark the thought of overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles, which provides inspiration in itself.

Whether the resolution seems nonsensical and silly or serious and intense, the underlying idea remains the same. One’s wish and motivation to achieve their dreams fuels it all.

“I want to be in shape for the upcoming football season,” Derek George, ’06, said. “I’m going to try to gain 30 pounds in muscle.”

Aside from football, George holds other motivations for a new body.

“I also want a new look for summer,” George said. “Besides some really cool hair, I want a tan and new clothes.”

One ultimate desire weighs heavy on George’s heart, one which he hopes to fulfill in time for the hot weather.

“I really want to look good in a Speedo,” George said. “A healthy body is very important to me.”

A wide variety of individuals express encouragement to others trying to succeed in freshly declared covenants and sympathy toward successive failures.

The age-old tradition of making New Years resolutions offers the opportunity toward understanding and ultimately creates a common bond among motivated people.

One popular desire of campus students appears the improvement of academic performance.

“Every semester I do my best to get a 4.0,” Eric Beneke, ’07, said. “I’m trying to get ready for college, so I hope I can maintain my standards this semester.”

Sometimes good grades boost self-esteem.

“I’m trying my best to strengthen my study habits and skills,” Kiersten Wirtz, ’08, said. “I feel better when I have better grades.”

Wirtz went on to explain that her attitude and behavior sometimes become affected by academic progress.

“I think I’m a nicer person when I feel I’m at my best in school,” Wirtz said. “When I’m not happy with my grades, I develop a short fuse.”

Although motives differ, campus students are able to relate to one another on the basis of hope and inspiration. Genuine support and faith in one another somewhat eases the burden of adolescence.

Despite the fact that New Years resolutions seem a constant mind over matter battle, their fulfillment leaves a sense of fulfillment and peace. They are a fun and exciting method of introducing a new year.