With the new year still fresh on the minds of Murray State students, New Year’s resolutions have featured themselves as the prevalent topics of conversation this season. As students aspire to become their better selves, whether that be by eating healthier, getting better grades or just improving themselves in some way, nearly everyone finds themselves trying to bring in the new year with a new self-help ideal.
1. Get fit
Roommates Kathryn Mehlbauer, junior from Louisville, Ky., and Sarah Sunderman, senior from Mascoutah, Ill., have vowed to bring in the New Year season together in the Wellness Center as they have both decided to utilize the facilities available to them.
“I might as well make the most of my money and finally use the gym that we’re all paying for,” Mehlbauer said. “I figure it’s a win-win!”
The Murray State News Tip: Don’t go against your natural schedule. If you are not a person who can wake up before 9 a.m., don’t plan to workout at 7 a.m. Schedule your workouts at a time that you are active and energized, not during a time that you normally nap or eat. Work your new lifestyle into your old schedule, not against it.
2. Quit procrastinating
Torrey Perkins, freshman from Harvest, Ala., aspires to be a better student this semester by better preparing for tests.
“My New Year’s resolution is to not procrastinate, because this time I’m actually going to study before two days before my final exam,” Perkins said.
The Murray State News Tip: Love your syllabus. Most professors outline test dates for the entire semester within their syllabus, so utilize that source and write them all down in your planner. This will help to prepare for the test even if your professor does not remind you about the test beforehand. If you don’t have a planner, get one. It, too, will be your best friend.
3. Build better relationships
Shayna Hall, freshman from Mayfield, Ky., hopes to be a better roommate by becoming more patient in the coming year.
“My roommate and I are sorority sisters, and we spent the last semester together, Hall said. “At this point we are like actual sisters, and therefore we drive each other absolutely crazy, so one of my main New Year’s resolutions this year is to be more patient with her.”
The Murray State News Tip: Absence makes the heart grow fonder. If too much togetherness is the issue, make sure to have at least one activity that is exclusively yours. Whether it be an intramural team, a club or just time to have coffee with another friend. Make time to get away from each other or all of the small things they do will begin to build into larger, more serious issues.
4. Find a job
Spencer Roecker, junior from Clarksville, Tenn., hopes that on the coat tail of the new year will come new jobs in Murray which might offer more work opportunities to students who need flexible work schedules.
“My New Year’s resolution is to get a better job,” Roecker said. “I’d really like a job that cooperates better with my class schedule, and getting paid better would always be nice, too.”
The Murray State News Tip: Use your resources. Consult Career Services. Their entire job is to help you get a job, so don’t be afraid to ask them for help. Also, ask around. Jobs are most often found due to networking, so make sure your friends and professors know you are looking for a job. This way, if they hear of one, they’ll make sure to let you know.
5. Be more considerate
Other students like Charlie Porter, freshman from Auburn, Ky., hope to bring in the new year not with physical changes or life changes, but with a change of heart. Porter hopes to become more receptive to the reactions others have to his doings in an effort to be more considerate to the people around him.
“I just want to think more about how what I do affects other people,” Porter said. “I want to make sure that when I do things it helps people or does good, instead of bringing others down or hurting them.”
The Murray State News Tip: Remember the seven-second delay. Just like the seven-second delay found on live TV, do your best to put a small delay on your words or actions. Just those few seconds give you much needed time to think about what you are about to do or say and how it will affect others and make them view you. It might save you from regret.
Story by Shannon MacAllister, Staff writer.