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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.

For me, 2024 was a year of firsts and lasts. Here is what stuck out to me: 

Graduating High School

I graduated on June 1st of this year in front of all my family and friends. Watching my high school years come to an end was such a bittersweet moment that I will cherish for a lifetime. Those four years really do go by fast!

Making the Sundancers

I auditioned for the Sundancers the morning after my senior prom and honestly do not remember much of that day, it was such a blur. Seeing my name on the roster was surreal and it felt so great to have all my hard work pay off! This team has been so fun and I've already made lifelong friends with my teammates.

Starting College

Moving out of the house and town I've lived in my entire life was so hard, but so rewarding! I only have two classes a day, I get to sleep in, and I've even learned how to change my car's oil!

Becoming a Campus Captain

Earlier this year, I got accepted into the Campus Captain program of The Hidden Opponent, a national organization focusing on student-athlete mental health. Bringing this program to SEMO has been so amazing! I get to make new friends with people on campus and help create a better environment in the athletics community here. 

Campus Job

I got a job in August working on SEMO's Marketing and Communications team. It's awesome! I get to set my own hours, write fun blogs (like the one you're reading right now) and always stay in the know about what's happening on campus. Plus, it looks great on my resume!

Concerts

This year, I got to see so many of my favorite artists in concert! From Drake to Noah Kahan to Taylor Swift, this year was quite the chart-topper.

People

The relationships I‘ve created/strengthened this year are the overall highlight of 2024. I get to hang out with my best friends every day, and exploring this new town together is so fun! Even my relationships with my parents and friends from back home have strengthened since I've been away. Each time I see them I appreciate it more than the last!

Now that 2024 is over, it’s time to think of what I want out of 2025.

Here are my 2025 New Year’s Resolutions. Maybe they'll inspire some of yours:  

Start Volunteering

Although my schedule is pretty full throughout the week with Sundancers, classes and work, I always find myself with extra time on the weekends. Southeast Missouri Pets is a local no-kill animal shelter that is always looking for volunteers. Spending my free time walking dogs or playing with kittens sounds like the perfect way to recharge for another week of non-stop activities!

Attend At Least 2 Concerts

I love live music, and concerts always give me something to look forward to. Some artists I'd love to see are Chris Stapleton, Gracie Abrams, and Zach Bryan, but I'll go to almost any concert!

Travel to At Least 5 New Places

These places can be small, local, or international and extravagant. With this past year being so busy, traveling fell on the back burner for me. In 2025, I'd love to go visit friends in Germany, hike in a National Park, and ride a train for the first time to Chicago!

Check Off My SEMO Bucket List

I've barely scratched the surface of what SEMO has to offer! I've added a few things of my own, but you can check out the majority of what's on my bucket list here.

Begin My Second Year at SEMO

I'm excited to start taking classes specific to my major! Freshman year is mostly filled with prerequisites and gen-eds, so I'm looking forward to diving deeper into my studies.

Join a New Club

There is a club for pretty much everything here, so this one shouldn't be hard to do. I've always loved Pitch Perfect, so maybe I'll join an acapella club and live out my dream of becoming a Barden Bella!

Make the Dean's List

This one may be hard to do, but I believe in myself! I've always been a pretty good student and I hope to continue this through college.

Take Care of Myself

I love everything I do, but it can be a lot at times. In 2025, I hope to take time to slow down and relax every once in a while- and I encourage you to do the same. Whether it be to read a book, have a self-care day, or take a walk through Capaha Park, I hope to take some time for myself every now and then.

As you create your list of resolutions, be kind to yourself. You go through so much every day, so be realistic with your goals. You can't climb Mt. Everest in a day. Enjoy your days off. Get yourself that sweet treat. Feel all your feelings. Do what's right for YOU.

Enjoy 2025. You deserve a great year!