This morning, thousands of students dragged themselves out of bed and back to campus, diving into another semester, ready-or-not. After nearly a month sans school and with an assumed overdose of Netflix, sugar, holiday cheer and peers’ engagement photos, students of all excitement levels are filling up classrooms once more to take on Spring 2016.
When facing the new year and a fresh semester, many resolve to “treat every day like their last!” or “get better grades!” and the like. However, as I look forward at my not yet experienced first half of the year, I’ve decided to take a more realistic approach. Here are a few more attainable resolutions I think will make my (and possibly your) semester infinitely better.
1. Be more grateful for the good things in life. Like Netflix.
Watching an entire series in four nights with a paper due Friday? Challenge accepted. Stop pretending like you’re going to get better grades by doing your homework before you binge. Forget “moderation in all things!” If you can re-watch all the episodes of “The Office” and turn your paper in on time, more power to ya.
2. Stop sharing so much on social media.
We live in a really weird world where somehow the collective voice of the internet is where we flee for solace and affirmation, instead of actual human contact. The funny thing is, most of the internet doesn’t care how you feel about the Biebs’ new album or how frustrating it is that your toaster doesn’t work and also you’re probably just inviting strange people (or worse, future employers) into your private sphere. So maybe dial it back some and make a real friend.
3. Go to the Student Life Center at least once.
It’s sad really that a nice building exists for the purpose of bettering our student lives and I’ve never even set foot in it. This is a resolution I can definitely handle. Instead of acting like I’m going to pump iron 3x a week between juggling school and a full-time job, I’m going to just commit to attending once and see where that takes me. Rock-climbing anyone?
4. Stop feeling guilty about coffee consumption.
I need it. I will continue to have it. I’m going to stop wasting energy worrying about it. In fact, not wasting time worrying about things you can’t directly control (like the price of tuition or the fact that Trump is the GOP front-runner) is a much more effective use of your time and energy and leaves you even more time for my first point: Netflix. (Or registering to vote because guys, Trump?)
5. Ignore everyone else for the sake of your own happiness.
Finally, feel free to throw everything I just said out the window because ultimately, it’s your life and whether you resolve to do things or not is completely up to you. This semester is going to be what you make it and after nearly a month has passed without any deadlines, assignments or projects I hope that you’re well-rested and ready for whatever comes your way. Welcome back, best of luck and go Utes!
@katherinekellis