PHS students hope their New Year Resolutions will bring change to 2009

by Brooke Maxson

What do you think of when you think “New Year’s Resolution?” Many of you are probably thinking of that little thing that nobody ever seems to keep that people make up on New Year’s Eve, designed to make the New Year better than the last one. Honestly, most people start with the motivation to stick with their resolution, but end up breaking it sooner or later… usually sooner. To many, a New Year’s Resolution is one of the hardest things to keep. There are many things people of all ages come up with for their New Year’s resolutions, the majority of which are meant to better the person that makes the resolution up. The students and teachers here at PHS have a wide, interesting variety of New Year’s resolutions.

Several of the students I talked to are hoping for physical changes in 2009. “One of my New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight,” commented junior Desirae Swope. To no surprise, many guys believe that with each New Year comes more muscle. “Mine is to get ripped,” proudly stated junior Zac Broughman. “I guess to get fit,” echoed junior Alex Reinbolt.

Many high school students believe that since it’s getting closer to graduation, they better start applying more of themselves to school and their education. “I also want to get better grades,” wished Desirae Swope when asked about the second part of her resolution. “My new Year’s resolution is to do better in school and get better grades,” junior Megan Kemmer stated.

A few students hope to be more kind in 2009. “I need to not be so judgmental and hypocritical,” admitted junior Melissa Mayo. “I shouldn’t be so mean to my family,” stated a regretful Carley Bruner.

Many people don’t make New Year’s resolutions for various reasons. “I don’t make them because I don’t keep them,” said secretary Mrs. Wilson with a laugh. Many others echoed her comment. Some believe their hopes are too extravagant to be called a New Year’s Resolution. “I don’t have one. I’ve just never had one. If I had one, it’d be more like a dream…not a resolution,” said junior Leah Ward. Then, of course, there are others who desire no changes for the New Year. “Like I have a resolution! I’m perfect the way I am!” kidded junior Brittney Houser. “I don’t have one because I don’t care what happens in 2009; it’s just another year,” 8th grader Kaitlin Janik said truthfully.

Some students admit they have little self control, and have already broken theirs. “I already broke mine,” said defeated junior Kurtis Brackman. Some have ended up doing the complete opposite of their resolution. “I want to lose 30 pounds, but I’ve gained 10. I also want to try to not play video games so much, but I’ve played like 200 hours already,” said senior Zach Vanlerberg.

I’m sure many students don’t have a specific resolution, but just hope to have the best 2009 they can. “I just want to enjoy my life way better than last year; I’m going to keep it,” said a confident junior Liz Cole.

We all know sports are a big thing here at PHS and several students hope to accomplish certain things this year in the sport of their choice. Some students want to simply be in a sport. “I want to run cross country,” said 8th grader Caleb Bruner. I’m going to run track for the first time,” said another sure 8th grader, Connor Johns. Many students are already in a sport, and are shooting for better records this year. “I want to make all-state for cross country. I’m going to work very hard to accomplish my goal,” said sophomore Morgan Mcfaul with confidence. “I want to hit five home runs,” said senior and baseball player Clark Pelham. “I also want to go undefeated in pitching,” said Vanlerberg.

No matter what your resolution, chances are it will take a lot of willpower to achieve. Whether you are doing well or you’ve already broken your resolution, now you know you aren’t alone. If you have already broken yours, it’s not too late to start over; it’s only January. On the other hand, if you haven’t broken your resolution, keep it up!