By: Eleni King Martin

As the clocks strike midnight on New Year’s Eve, people around the world vow to improve themselves. Whether this be in a physical, mental, or emotional sense, many people view the New Year as the perfect fresh start. So, as winter break approaches and the year comes to a close, this Vidette writer has asked students and staff around the school to share their ambitions for the New Year. From academic goals, to personal goals, our students and staff have shared their New Year’s resolutions for 2026. 

Junior Vivian Carranza says, “I want to get my assignments finished by their due date and improve my time management, instead of procrastinating.”

“I really want to get my driver’s license this year,” says Junior Ruby Proud.

“My New Year’s resolution is to get into college and bike more often,” says Senior Cal Clapper.

Junior Tyler Jay says, “I want to hang out with my friends more often.” 

IB English teacher Mrs. Moser says, “I want to be more organized, procrastinate less, and to try to do something fun and fulfilling each week.” 

Junior Thomas McCoy says, “My New Year’s resolution is to read at least one book a month.” 

“I want to travel more in 2026, especially in the summer. I hope to go somewhere where I can form new experiences,” says Junior Sofia Escudero. 

“I want to push myself out of my comfort zones, both physically and mentally. Ending high school and thinking about college has made me want to do more,” says Senior Elisabeth Palacios. 

IB Chemistry teacher Mr. Phillips-Cary says, “I want to read at least 50 pages of a book everyday. And I hope to grade my students’ assignments more efficiently.” 

Though many students and staff responded with enthusiasm, a few students argued that creating goals for the New Year was pointless, and that one should just immediately start their new habit. To this I say, the New Year is the perfect time for a fresh start, there’s a reason the saying “New year, new me” is so popular. Beyond goals of self-improvement and habits that most won’t actually carry through, the simple act of making a New Year’s resolution is transformational. 

Resolutions are about self-reflection and moving forward with the intention of becoming a better person. Making a resolution allows us as humans to reflect on the past year and learn from our mistakes and our failures. New Year’s resolutions are about pointing yourself in the right direction. So, to those reading, I encourage you to look within yourself and set a goal for yourself, just a small one that takes a few minutes a day. Whether this be a goal to try to stop using AI for work, or to journal or meditate for a few minutes everyday, practicing one small goal for yourself could transform your life.