It seems that what teenagers care to change in their lives can be encapsulated in a brief list: how they’re doing in school, how much they’re exercising, how they’re eating, how much money they are making and spending, how much they are procrastinating, and how much they are enjoying their lives. These trends became quickly apparent upon surveying about 100 SDA students last Thursday on their New Year’s hopes, dreams, and resolutions and performing some careful analysis. Many students set tangible and simple goals regarding grades and school. “My new year’s resolution is to get an ‘A’ in econ. I plan to study hard for it,” said Kara Gorman. Others made much broader self-improvement goals. “I’m going to do my calculus homework, go to the gym, and pay my taxes. I feel like I would be better person because I would end up in less legal trouble. I probably won’t end up paying my taxes and the IRS will come after me again, but I will do my calculus homework,” said Senior Austin Scott. Most popular, however, were the vague grasps toward better grades and more effort put into school. “I want to do better in school this year,” said senior Alyssa Espinoza, among many others.  Even more common were students’ goals to be more fit, fresh, and healthy. “I want to do 80 sit ups a day because I don’t really exercise. I don’t really think I’ll keep it because I’ve missed a couple of days so far, but I pinch myself when I don’t do it,” said senior Kira Harland. Others are attempting to ring in the New Year with more fiber and vitamins than ever before. “I plan on eating fruits and vegetables this year. I don’t want to, but I need to. I don’t know if it’s actually going to work, but no regrets,” said senior Nolan Gallagher.  Plenty of others stand resolved to keep a closer watch on their pocketbooks, a predictable but very practical notion for young folks, barely squeaking by being jobless or getting minimum wage. “My goal is to save money. I buy way too much food, so this resolution is so I’m not broke all the time from eating. I’ll do it by not spending money and bringing my own food places,” said senior Alyssa Baldini.  Resolutions to quit the procrastination that teens know so well were abundant as well. “My resolution is to not procrastinate. I always leave everything to the last minute and it gets really stressful so I thought I’d start out fresh this year,” said Junior Aine Gallahue.  The final major group that was found was of those wishing to simply make this year a happy, productive, and wonderful final twelve months here on earth. “My resolution is to make this year the best year ever before the world ends. I’m going to open up my mind and appreciate the small things and see the good in everything. I just need to laugh more, smile, and enjoy every moment,” said senior Savannah Broderick. Of course, there also exists a select group of cynics (or possibly realists) who deem that New Year’s resolutions are silly and pointless. “I don’t think you need a new year to change your life around,” said sophomore Shea Renteria. Others simply admit that they probably won’t follow through. “I didn’t make any resolutions because I am only going to let myself down,” said sophomore Lauren Shaw.  For all the striving and hopeful SDA students out there, however, good luck to you. We’ll check back in soon to see just how strong the resolve here is.