It's a new year, which means new resolutions to complete during the year. Let's change up your usual list of resolutions a bit and add more than just going to the gym or losing weight. Here are a few ideas of some JMU New Year Resolutions that you can strive to achieve during 2016.
1. Attend more sporting events
JMU has had a lot of recent success with sports. With this success, however, attendance from students has still fallen short of what it should be. These athletes deserve to have full support from the student body. Make it a resolution in 2016 to attend more sporting events, whether it be football, baseball, diving, or more.
2. Meet President Alger
The man, the myth, the legend: President Alger. Since coming to JMU, Alger has become a staple on campus and has pushed for progress. If you have the opportunity to meet President Alger, make the most of it. Only a select number of people get to sit down and have a conversation with Alger. Make it your goal to meet President Alger, whether it be through community service, organizations, or special events.
3. Join a club/organization
One of the most important things to do while at JMU is join a club or an organization. Clubs and organizations help develop you as a person by improving social skills, getting you involved in community service, and more. They also help to establish a friend group that will be part of your college and post-grad life. If you're looking for something new to do, make it your goal to join a club or an organization in 2016. Be sure to check out the spring and fall club fairs to view clubs you might be interested in joining.
4. Participate in The Big Event
Community service is a big part in helping to improve the Harrisonburg community. As students, we owe it to the community to help give back. The Big Event is a great way to get involved with helping the community through trash pick-ups, road cleaning, and more. Put it on your list to help improve Harrisonburg and the surrounding communities.
5. Make or join a Relay Team
Relay For Life happens all over the country and the world, but make it your resolution to create or join a team this year for JMU Relay. Each year, JMU Relay has raised thousands of dollars for cancer patients and continues to increase its participation in the event. This is a great opportunity to unite the entire student body to help fight cancer and come together for something bigger than themselves. Get a group of friends and create or join a team to help start the fight here.
6. Find a spot in Carrier
With classes about to be back in session, the libraries will once again be full with students trying to study or just binge-watch Netflix. Carrier, with its dreadful Wi-Fi and minimal seating, is the place to go when you have a break between classes or have pressing work to finish. Make it your resolution to find a spot within the library and may the odds be ever in your favor.
7. Workout in NewREC
NewREC: the extravagant, huge, sweat-filled palace that will house students looking to workout more in the new year and those who make it a daily routine. With the new expansion to UREC, students will be more curious as ever to see the new building when it opens. Fulfill your resolution to workout more as well as working out in NewREC all in one.
8. Attend Rocktown Beer Fest
If you're 21 or over, you have to attend Rocktown Beer Fest. This is one of the best events of the year and brings in students, community members, and tourists alike. With a day full of music, a belly full of beer, and a pavilion full of breweries, Rocktown Beer Fest provides something for every beer lover. Put this down on your list of resolutions so that you can experience the greatness of craft beer and venture out from the JMU bubble a little.
9. Get Dean's or President's List
Grades are always a staple resolution item. Strive to make Dean's or President's List in the spring and fall semesters. There's always room for improvement, you just have to keep pushing and put dedication into doing better. If you focus on improving your study habits, completing all assignments, attending class all of the time, and asking the professor for help, you'll be in a great position to achieve these remarkable goals.
10. Never leave
Being a Senior, I never want to leave this place. Yes, I would love to venture out, get a job, and see what else there is to do in the world, but JMU is home. It's the place where I've met so many of my lifelong friends. It's led to me making connections in the professional world that I would have never been able to before. It's the place where I learned that there's more than just myself; there are others that are affected by the decisions that I make. I never want to leave this great institution. With one semester left, all we can do is make the most out of our time here. Please just let us stay, Alger.
