There are sure to be countless New Year’s resolutions formed at the beginning of each year. At Ohio University, some dedicated individuals are committed to maintaining their goals for all 12 months. Others, however, are struggling after only one.

Photography by Daniel Rader.

Ashley Harker, a freshman, made the decision to get serious about working out. In the past, Harker has tried to visit Ping a few times a week. Since Jan. 1, the freshman has visited the gym daily and tries her hardest to never skip a workout. Harker prefers breaking a sweat in the morning because this helps her stay motivated for the rest of the day.

It is no surprise that Harker considers staying active a very important aspect of her life considering her major is sports management. Harker also attends cardio dance classes at Ping every week

“In college, students are obviously very busy, but I think it is essential to take time for the activities you enjoy too,” said Harker.

Individuals often chose working out as their resolution. If this is true for you as well, it is essential to set an attainable goal. Chances are, if you rarely visit Ping but form a resolution to workout every day, the resolution won’t last. I’ve noticed that for the first few weeks into the New Year, Ping is packed! However, as people lose their motivation to achieve difficult goals, the gym becomes less busy.

Julia Baker, a sophomore, is determined to have more patience this year.

“I am an extremely impatient person when it comes to waiting on other people,” Baker said. “I like to have everything in control and I need to learn how to remain calm in every situation.”

In order to relax, Baker regularly attends yoga classes at Ping and has been reading daily passages from her prayer book in an effort to become more spiritual.

She explained that her goal for the New Year is going well. “I am able to recognize when I am being impatient, and I realize now that everything in life does not need to be rushed.”

This resolution is very relevant to college students. It seems as though Athens is always in a hurry; individuals are briskly walking to class, picking up Grab and Go, or attending countless meetings. Although rest is essential for success, it can be difficult to find time to relax.

Junior C.J. Anderson pledged to stop using profanity this year. “My resolution is going okay. Sometimes I lose my cool and say things I don’t mean when I’m angry,” Anderson said.

As a football player, Anderson explained that it is easy for his temper to become ignited during a game when there are antagonizing members on the opposing team.

Anderson chose this resolution because he firmly believes that it is important to speak in a professional manner on and off the field in order to represent Ohio University and himself in a positive manner.

Anderson’s goal is one many individuals should implement. It can be challenging to separate when it is appropriate to speak your mind, especially when profanity is so common in a typical college student’s vocabulary. While it is acceptable to converse openly with friends, this is obviously not the case when many authority figures are involved.

Only time will tell if these three Bobcats will keep their New Year’s promises. Resolutions are difficult to maintain, but the most important step is setting a goal. These students have already won half the battle, because without the mindset to change, no transformations will ever occur.