Now that the new year is well underway, I am sure we are all finally adjusted, done with accidentally writing 2014 at the top of our notes and assignments, and looking forward to what 2015 has to offer. The resolution lists have been written, and whether you have already abandoned some until 2016, like me, or you are still going strong, here are 10 easy ways to make 2015 a year to remember.
1. Learn a new skill. Not only is this a fun way to occupy some free time that might otherwise be spent binge-eating and watching Netflix, but once you are done, you can show off to all of your friends and family! Learn to play an instrument, paint, play a sport, knit or sculpt. It can be anything that you can think of! Maybe you will discover a passion that you never even knew you had, or maybe you will just have a new hobby to relieve stress.
2. Join a new club or organization. The best way to make memories that last is by sharing them with other people. Whether you already have a close knit group of friends, or you have always been kind of a loner, meeting new people and making new connections will never be a bad thing. A change of atmosphere can be nice, and who knows, maybe you will meet your future bridesmaids or make some great new connections that will come in handy in the real world. With over 1,000 organizations on campus, there is no excuse not to do this one.
3. Go somewhere warm for spring break. We all know how awful State College weather can be. Trudging through the snow to class, slipping and falling on the ice that never seems to melt, even with our heated sidewalks, and nearly catching hypothermia on the way to fratland. If, like me, you are not lucky enough to live somewhere warm, try to spend that week somewhere with nicer weather. It will give you a week to thaw out from our frigid weather and help alleviate that mid-winter depression that is oh-so-common.
4. Get a makeover. Try out something fresh and new. I just recently chopped all my hair off, and I have never felt better. Try something really out there, like coloring your hair purple (been there done that -- I regret nothing) or maybe just changing up your makeup look. Change is good, people. "New year, new me," right?
5. Attend every single PSU football game. I am not a football fan and never have been. However, I am a Penn State fan, and game day in Happy Valley never disappoints. It is part of what makes the Penn State experience unlike any other, so just do it. Extra points if you get touchdown tossed.
6. Date someone who is not your type. We often find ourselves dating the same kind of person, time after time. There is nothing wrong with that -- most people have a type. Just once, though, try giving that person a chance who does not exactly fit the mold. Maybe you will fall in love, maybe you won't, but you should never regret giving something new a shot.
7. Find time to do something that makes you happy. Yes, we have classes and jobs, and other obligations that make 24 hours in a day seem like a sick, sick joke. The stress just keeps building, and most times, it seems like there is no way around it. That is why it's important to make time for you. Read a book, listen to music, write, light a candle and take a bath. Make time to do what makes you happy!
8. Go on a summer road trip with your friends. Leaving school for the summer is always a time riddled with mixed emotions. Yes, we are all happy that exams and essays are out of sight and out of mind for three months, but it also means leaving our friends. You might meet up with the ones who live close enough, from time to time, but these visits are usually too brief and too few and far between. Solution? Roadtrip. I always picture singing along to awful songs on the radio that we all know every single word to and eating gross, yet delicious, fast food while getting lost in the middle of nowhere and winding up taking pictures next to the world's largest ball of twine.
9. Quit any bad habits. Stop biting your nails, impulse shopping or procrastinating. Whatever your vices, stop. Don't be too hard on yourself if it takes longer than you think. Habits can be hard to break.
10. End any, and all, bad relationships. Whether it is a boyfriend who treats you badly, or a friend who takes advantage of you, don't let other people bring you down. Surround yourself with the people who treat you right and forget the ones that don't. Also, don't forget to put out to the world what you want to receive. You have to give respect before you demand it.
Well, there you have it. Hopefully one, if not all, of these ideas will help you get the most out of the new year!
