As the clock struck twelve on December 31, 2023, many Ida B. Wells students cheered for a happy new year and the built-in opportunity to set resolutions and goals for themselves.
Among Americans this year, yougov.com states that the most common resolution is to save money. While some IBW students have similar goals many have different, perhaps even more ambitious goals.
As high school students, good grades and overall academic accomplishment are often striven for. IBW junior Sylvie Hefferon, an AP chemistry student, has set a specific academic goal for that class. “ I want to work really hard on actually understanding the material so that I don’t feel like a failure in that class,” said Heffron. To achieve a goal though, one should set a plan of action to motivate and encourage said pursuit. Research shows that having a detailed plan increases goal success by 30%. “I plan on studying every night, not just on days I know I have a test coming up,” said Heffron.
Outside of academics students like Cadence Shaver, a senior at IBW, hope to fulfill their hobbies and spend more time dedicated to their extracurricular activities. “This year I hope to expand my skills in the kitchen, especially in the baking department,” said Shaver. Her plan to achieve this goal is to use the free time she would have spent doom scrolling on social media to get up and get herself mixing up the next renowned cupcake recipe.
Shaver has academic resolutions as well. “I’m planning on teaching myself calculus in my spare time too; so that when college rolls around I will be far more successful in the class,” said Shaver.
Like Heffron, Shaver also has a plan of action that will help her achieve her resolutions. “Khan Academy has some great resources for students who want to go above and beyond. The resources I already have access to should be good enough to teach myself some mathematical skills,” Shaver said.
Other students like Elodie Anderson, a junior at IBW, are hoping to find tranquility in their social lives. As a high schooler, navigating the highs and lows of friendships can be challenging and at times stressful. “This year I won’t let people get to me,” said Anderson. The year is not guaranteed to go by smoothly. From one student to another, it will be hard but you can do it. Keep your friends close and your teachers closer, after all, you might need them to write you a letter of rec.
