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You hear it time and time again, “new year, new me.” As cliché as it sounds, starting a new year can be refreshing. It’s a chance to stop and reflect on who you were this past year and what you’ve accomplished. Big or small, we all accomplished a lot during 2021. It was the year after the whirlwind of 2020, so honestly, I’m just proud we’re here now.
Before making resolutions for the new year, I find it important to take time to appreciate your accomplishments of the previous year. You can do the same.
As I reflect on 2021, here is what stuck out to me:
- Student Government President- I was elected as Student Government President for the 2021-2022 academic year. I had this dream since I started Student Council in junior high. My team and I put so much work into running a successful campaign and it was amazing seeing it come to reality.
- Cover of Flourish Summer 2021- I had the opportunity to do a photo shoot for the local magazine Flourish. They just asked me to come to a photoshoot and answer a few questions. I didn’t really think much about it until the magazine was published. I had no idea that I was going to be the cover! The magazine is currently hung up in my apartment ha-ha.
- Traveling- Destinations started finally opening after 2020, so I was blessed to have the opportunity. During the year, I’ve been to New York, Tampa, Nashville, St. Louis, Little Rock, New York again, and Jamacia.
- School- I survived my junior year and just finished up the first semester of Senior year! Each semester had its challenges and I wanted to give up so many times. Balancing school, a full-time job, and extra-curriculars can take a toll on a person but I successfully made it through. Just one semester left.
- People- The relationships I‘ve created/strengthened this year are the overall highlight of 2021. I grew closer with the people already in my life and I found new people to share experiences with. I couldn’t have done the year without them.
Now that 2021 is over, it’s time to think of what I want out of 2022.
Here are my 2022 New Year’s Resolutions. Let them give you the inspiration to make your own:
- Travel to at least 5 new places- These places can be small/local or international and extravagant. I want to constantly open my mind to experiences and travel is the best way.
- Expand my career opportunities- As I transition to after undergrad life, I must really think about what my future holds for me. Does that mean Grad school? Does that mean finding my dream job in a new city? Those are the questions I must answer this year- quickly.
- Graduate from Southeast Missouri State- I graduate in May 2022. I am utterly terrified. This university has given me so much and I will forever be grateful for these past four years. It’s really a milestone.
- Take care of myself- I spend too much time caring about others and making sure their needs are met. I challenge myself to take time for myself. I want to know what Layla likes and experiences what Layla wants to do. I want to love myself unconditionally and enjoy my own presence.
- Be healthier- As generic as that is, it’s true. I just know a healthy body and a healthy mind will make me unstoppable. I want to live the IT Girl life- green smoothies, waking up early, gym time, making my bed every morning.
As you create your list of resolutions, be nice to yourself. You go through so much every day of your life. You can’t be superwoman (even if you try to be) so give yourself some slack. Enjoy your rest days. Eat that ice cream. Be you. Be happy. Be sad. Do whatever YOU want to do. Life is too short to micromanage every aspect of your life. As students, we already have a mile-long list of what we need to do.
Enjoy 2022. You deserve a great year. #repthenest