As we leave 2023 and enter a new year, it’s time to reflect on the past year and set resolutions for the new year. I spoke to some Northport High School students about their goals for 2024 and these were the most common responses:
1. Reducing Screen Time
After thinking about the time they spent on their phones during the past year, many students hope that they will be able to put their phones away in 2024 and spend more time doing productive activities. Those who I talked to had specific goals like deleting social media, limiting the time they spend gaming, or putting a stop to the seemingly endless scrolling. The main theme in these resolutions was best said by junior Grace: “I want to reduce my screen time because I waste a lot of time on my phone. When I put my phone down for a while and shut it off I get so much more done.”
2. Building Healthy Habits
Some students are also thinking about improving their lifestyle, focusing on adopting healthier habits in 2024. I heard a range of goals, from eating healthier to exercising more. One junior shared her commitment to “eat less McDonald’s” this year. Most of the students I talked to hoped to build these habits now so that they could build on them throughout college and later in life.
3. Making New Friends
Others hope to form new friendships and meet new people. Whether through participating in school clubs, attending school events, or starting a conversation, many have goals to create or build bonds with others or include someone new. You never know who you could make friends with if you opened yourself up to new people, which lots of NHS students are hoping to do this coming year.
As the new year unfolds, let’s hope these goals and the many other goals that students have made can be fulfilled and make a positive change in their lives or the community. One junior told me that her New Year’s resolution is to “be the best version of [herself],” a sentiment we can all embrace in 2024. Together, let’s encourage our friends and family as we start to work towards these resolutions in the new year. Let us know what your New Year’s resolution is in the comments!
