2025 brings a new year for the students of BVN, and with it, a new semester and a fresh start. Many students have goals for the new year, both academic and personal. Two students shared their goals and the ways they plan to reach them.

Sophomore Ben Grant is focusing on improving his grades for the new year. 

“I hope to get all A’s. Last semester, I had a couple B’s, so my academic goals are to get straight A’s,” Grant said. “So far I have all A’s, but [the semester] just started. I’m doing good though. 

Junior Karmen Hayslett also set goals for 2025, but they have a more personal focus. 

“I’m working on building my strength as I prepare for college golf so I can get better chances at D2 colleges,” Hayslett said. 

Hayslett also said what inspired her to set this goal for herself. 

“I really think it’d be cool if I could just play golf in college, and one of the aspects of that is being able to hit the ball far, which can only come from building strength,” Hayslett said.

When asked whether or not they would follow through with their goals, both students were hopeful. 

“I want to follow through with it. You know, straight A’s would be nice,” Grant said. 

Hayslett shared her progress with her goal for the year.

“I think I’ll definitely have built the strength [by the end of the year], especially if I continue the path I’ve been on right now,” Hayslett said. 

Grant also talked about the progress he wanted to make for the new year. 

“I want to get all my B’s up, and, you know, make a lot of progress there,” Grant said. “I [also] want to be kind in my classes. Not just get good grades, but also be a good student.” 

When asked what drove them to accomplish their goals, both Grant and Hayslett mentioned their futures. 

“I’m trying to build a better future for myself, and if that is going to happen by creating stronger foundations at a younger age, I’m willing to take those risks,” Hayslett said. 

Grant responded similarly, instead mentioning his academic future.

“I want to get into a good college, so that kind of motivates me.” Grant said. 

Both Hayslett and Grant shared their advice on following through with their goals for the new year. 

“Find goals you enjoy. Don’t do something that you’re going to hate yourself for,” Hayslett said. “If you really hate something, you’re not going to stick to it.”

Grant also encouraged students to follow through with their goals. 

“Don’t give up, you set a goal for a reason,” Grant said. “You didn’t do it just for fun. Stick to it and pursue your goal.”