Year after year mankind comes together to celebrate the changing of the calendar from one year to the next. On the last day of December countless people gather at various places around the world to witness the clock strike midnight signifying a new year. It is with this new year that brings confetti, kisses and the onslaught of New Year’s resolutions.
I myself have even made a few resolutions, mainly around health, fitness and faith. Seldom does an entire University craft resolutions at the beginning of the year – all we ever really hear is the year in review in mid-December.
It is clear to me that the University and its patrons need to set some New Year’s resolutions. The following blanket the entire campus community.
New beginnings and renewed personalities
With 2006 exiting stage right, it is now the perfect opportunity to reexamine oneself which can yield changes or the start of something new. It is perfectly acceptable, and a personal recommendation, that at the beginning of this new year you try something new.
Try participating in an organization with which you have always wanted to get involved. If you have never been to the gym, go out and take part in all it has to offer – go lay out under the stars on the Court of North Carolina or go out and eat some sushi.
Year after year I see people who are not true to themselves and their true personalities.
During 2007 I challenge you all to be who you are, just as God made you. Don’t worry about what other people think; just be yourself.
Being true to yourself is one of the most important things that you can do while in college. Giving into peer pressure to conform to the rest of society is one of the many downfalls of people. So, renew your personality and be who you want to be, not who your best friend or the newest trend on MTV is.
Open door and open minds
This year we, as members of the Wolfpack family, need to strive to be more open to communication and ideas. In years past, students, faculty and the administration have been reluctant to tackle the big issues of the University in a bipartisan fashion.
I see a need for the deans of the colleges to hold regular town hall meetings with their respective students and in doing so, they will generate dialogue to create an atmosphere where students will get to know their specific college leadership.
Student leaders also must reach out to other students and listen to their concerns so that they may best represent their interests. Student Government has never been a favorite among the student body, therefore students and Student Government officials should enter 2007 with open minds and help one another, because when one stands alone the other is weaker.
To my readers
My resolution to you all is that I will continue to write about the issues that are important to students. I will investigate and analyze events that affect campus and shed light on those areas that warrant it. It is my goal not to leave any stone unturned.
Resolutions are a great way to motivate yourself for the next 365 days. Maintaining and living up to those resolutions is key. Find someone to hold you accountable for your resolutions, much like I ask you to hold me accountable for what I write.
Resolutions are meant to make the new year better, not worse. Make the best of 2007, because I know I will.
