At the start of every new year, many people choose to create resolutions in hopes of a better year. As we enter 2021, making New Year’s resolutions may help set up a positive outlook following a very challenging year.

The difficulties people faced during 2020 further motivated individuals to create aspirations for a better year.

“My 2020 was definitely challenging, which is no surprise, as it was a tough year for everyone I know. Not being able to spend time with my friends and family for months and trying to stay updated and educated about our country’s political climate was super difficult,” said senior Sara Hartle.

Hartle explained her disappointment in the majority of actions taken by our government and she hopes to see some positive changes in the new year.

In addition to Hartle, senior Kailin Edwards agrees with the challenges of the past year.

“I was excited for the new year and to be done with junior year. Then when we first went into quarantine, I was excited to have extra days off and my grades went up because school became easier. Quarantine had its benefits as my grades went up because school became easier, and I got more sleep. However, the quarantine was awful because you couldn’t see friends or go out like we used to. Then, with the new school year, I was excited for the senior year experience and the privileges that come along with it,” stated Edwards.

Edwards appreciated her grade boosts and extra hours of sleep her junior year, yet wishes she could have gotten the full senior experience.

Although Edwards was disappointed when missing out on certain senior opportunities, she tried to focus on the positives as did Condon with her optimism on creating new habits.

“I like to make New Year’s resolutions, but I don’t particularly believe in them. It’s just easier to create a new routine when there is a categorical change you can tie the new habit to,” said senior Mary Condon.

Condon enjoys creating new resolutions in order to try to build better habits and form new routines to kick off a new year.

Edwards has set a goal she wishes to keep the entire year.

“My New Year’s resolution for 2021 is to drink more water because it has been pointed out to me that I do not hydrate enough. I would like to better myself due to the fact that water has many benefits,” described Edwards.

Edwards wishes to stay healthy for the new year by continuously drinking water.

Condon follows Edwards’ ideals to keep herself happy and healthy for 2021.

“My resolution is to stick to habits that are good for my mental health,” expressed Condon, “I’m in love with to-do lists, so writing out my daily goals helps me get them done.”

Staying organized keeps Condon’s satisfaction for planning and her motivation up.

Condon focuses on established habits to help her be successful in the new year, while Hartle also maintains a positive mindset for 2021.

“I think and I truly hope that 2021 will go better than 2020; the vaccines are looking promising as scientists learn more about Covid-19, so hopefully we can be able to return back to a more normal lifestyle, or as normal as we’ll be able to get. The Class of 2021 is also going to be making big transitions out of high school this year, which I hope will be able to make 2021 much more exciting and will give many seniors something to look forward to,” Hartle answered.

As scientists are learning more about Covid-19, Hartle hopes that we can return to a more normalized system. Also, the current seniors will be achieving their first major milestone as they head into their adult lives.

Both girls stay hopeful for themselves, friends, family, and Covid-19.

“I hope 2021 will bring my family good health, and to bring me the motivation to continue improving my mental health,” stated Condon.