EVERY year, it’s common to make New Year’s resolutions for fresh starts, self-improvement, to have better experiences from the year before, and to simply change.

Aerika Campbell (11) plans to spend time with loved ones watching fireworks and movies, and possibly making gingerbread houses. “My resolutions are to honor my body and keep out all unhealthy food, mainly eat things that’ll make my body stronger. I also will cut off negative influences, people who make bad decisions, and who overall won’t be good long-time friends,” Campbell said. 

New Year’s Day for Campbell means new beginnings, opportunities, goals, and motivations. 

Jatana Vega (11) is planning to stay home with family and do their yearly traditions, like playing Loteria and staying up till midnight. “My resolutions are: find a job, eat healthier, take care of my skin, practice more on my instruments, and start waking up on time for class,” Vega said. Vega will make sure her resolutions last by changing her diet, setting reminders, and not procrastinating. “New Year’s Day for me means new opportunities, beginnings, and learning from old lessons from the last year,” Vega said.

Many families have traditions for good luck in the upcoming year. Some families run outside with suitcases to manifest a year of travel; others do all the house cleaning the day before to clear out the bad energy and welcome new opportunities and good energy. 

Jazmin Hernandez (11) enjoys her family’s tradition for New Year’s Day, which is usually to eat 12 grapes under a table at the first minute of the year while making wishes for the new year. 

“My family is planning just to make food and spend time with each other. My resolutions are to pass my classes next semester, and I also want to stop procrastinating and leaving things until the last minute,” Hernandez said. It’s common for students to get overwhelmed with the semester ending, but having good communication with teachers is something fundamental that Lancers can have in the long run. “Some habits I want to continue having are being successful in class and having good attendance. I’ll make sure to make my resolutions last by studying the class material to make sure I understand, and if I’m confused, I’ll try to get comfortable asking questions,” Hernandez said.