What does a “fresh start” really mean for students juggling school, stress and expectations? For some at BVN, New Year’s resolutions have become less about reinvention and more about small, meaningful change.
For one student, that change starts with something minor and attainable. Freshman Izzy Compagnone’s resolution is simply to drink more water.
“My New Year’s resolution is to drink more water because I get into it and I stay hydrated for a little bit, and then I’ll just lose it again,” said Compagnone.
When it came to deciding what her resolution should be, Compagnone expressed that her goal was rooted in her demanding extracurricular schedule.
“I’m a dancer, so I think staying hydrated would be really beneficial,” said Compagnone.
Campagnone acknowledged that her schedule around dance has caused her to focus on what her body needs more of this year, which allowed her to establish a realistic goal that will help her in the long run.
While there are students focusing on physical well-being, others set resolutions centered on bonding and personal growth. Junior Prisha Dalal hopes to make her New Year filled with new connections and memories.
“My New Year’s resolution is to meet new people, because I want to, make new connections and learn cool things from [them],” said Dalal.
For Dalal, meeting new people fills her social needs.
“Wanting to meet new people and learn things from a variety of different perspectives shows that I value learning different things and keeping an open mind about the people I know,” said Dalal.
Still, Dalal acknowledges that her resolution may be more difficult to maintain.
“I think it’ll be easy to talk to people, but forming an actual connection with them and learning from what they have to offer—because every person has something they offer and that you can learn from—forcing a connection that big takes a while,” said Dalal.
And though some resolutions don’t necessarily focus a student to use their support systems, having a person by their side to remind or help students with meeting their end-of-the-year goal encourages them to do it.
For Campagnone, that support comes from her sister.
I’ll probably ask her to make sure [I meet my goal],” said Campagnone.
For Dalal, support for her goal looks a little different. She explains that her friends can help motivate her in meeting her goal of forming new connections.
“When I’m with my friends or my friend group, in general, we can all be more welcoming to new people and help each other form connections,” said Dalal.
Whether the goal is staying hydrated, forming new friendships or simply feeling better than the year before, students’ resolutions reflect a shift toward realistic and personal change. Rather than focusing on a dramatic reinvention, many are choosing goals that prioritize growth, balance and support—one step at a time.
