Fireworks, kissing a stranger, eating cupcakes, throwing a party, watching the stars… there are numerous ways to spend New Year’s Eve to bring in the New Year. 2014 was definitely a year to remember for many reasons, both positive and negative. 

2015 represents a huge year for me, personally. I will be heading off to college and starting a new chapter of my life. It will be a huge transition year, but frankly I could not be more excited — or more nervous. Meanwhile,  my little brother will be going into high school for the first time, which goes to show that each new year signifies something different for all of us.

I, for one, always made a list of New Year’s Resolutions when I was younger. I would be nicer to my little brother (maybe) or cut out some junk food and start eating healthy. But my opinion about New Year’s Resolutions has definitely evolved over the years, and I haven’t made any for a long time. A lot of my friends will make some, maybe resolving to try new things or to go some place new. I am all for those who make New Year’s Resolutions. I think setting goals and being clear on them is only beneficial to the individual.

I think that everyone in my life, but also the world, could all try to be a little more appreciative of what we have. Too often I’ll hear girls or boys complaining about a gift they didn’t get or about something that’s bothering them, like a friend being mean. I for one, am guilty of this, too. However, if we all resolved to step back and look at the bigger picture, maybe we could realize that we actually are blessed with many things that perhaps others in the world don’t necessarily have.

I, for one, do not believe in using the new year as an excuse to start doing a bunch of things that I’ve been putting off. Now, I do realize that what I just said kind of opposes the whole idea of New Year’s Resolutions; I just think that if we approached each day with the same resolve that we do when we approach a new year, we all could lead even more productive lives.

Celebrating the end of a year is both fun and bittersweet. You can’t help but think about all of the great achievements that you’ve accomplished and reflect on how many struggles you’ve overcome. I do believe, though, that with the right attitude, each and every one of you can see that you have grown tremendously as an individual. Congratulations on finishing out another year, and here’s to all the crazy times that 2015 will bring!