Hello, second semester! Same school, same great city, and a clean slate… who could complain? The newness of freshman year has worn off, but the new year and new semester have made me feel like I have a fresh start. I’m not one for new years resolutions because they usually result in failure and binge eating Cool Ranch Doritos, but it's probably because my resolutions are consistently unrealistic (“Read a book every day” honestly?). This year I have decided not to set myself up for failure and have instead compiled a list of suggestions I have made for myself to better enjoy this semester. This isn’t a list of goals, and if I don’t follow everything on this list I won’t consider myself a failure. Here is a list of 15 suggestions I have for myself this semester.

1. Stop wearing the same leggings every day to class.

Come on now, you have so many pairs of pants.... do you REALLY have to destroy your one good pair of leggings by washing them every night so that you can wear them to class? At least lower it to 4 days a week, I think you've become emotionally attached to them.

2. Stop favoring food from places that are walking distance.

It takes you less than eight minutes to walk to Fat Sal’s… is it really necessary for you to sit in bed and call a Favor? If you’re not willing to walk the eight minutes to Fat Sal’s you don’t DESERVE Fat Sal’s. At least use the walk there as justification for your heart attack- inducing meal.

3. Stop giving your email to literally every store that asks for it.

Coupons are great, but want to know what isn’t great? Getting 50 emails a day from Anthropology about how pink is the shade of the season. The cashier may be staring intently at you and you may feel pressured into giving it to her, but STAY STRONG.

4. Write down your dreams.

I don’t mean write down your aspirations (though maybe that is also a good idea), I mean write down your DREAMS. Like when you wake up at 3 am hyperventilating because the Yo Gabba Gabba characters have turned evil and created an army against you… write that down the second you wake up. It sucks when you try to tell people about what an insane dream you had (honestly, you probably need psychiatric help) but then blank on the entire dream once they ask you about it.

5. Spend money on experiences.

A year from now will you really remember that overpriced Lululemon jacket that you swear was calling your name from the store shelf? Ok yes maybe you will because you might have shed a few tears when you swiped your credit card, but just stop wasting money on material things and instead spend it on experiences. Go take a dance class with your friends, go watch a movie, go bowling, go roller skating…. I guarantee that the memories you make will make the money worth it.

6. Start taking your class notes by hand.

You have a computer. The computer is an incredible invention. However, you do not have the attention span to productively use your computer in class. You show up to class and open up Word, ready to take notes and get an A in the class… ten minutes later you are on the Hardin House website checking what’s on the menu for dinner. Don’t even allow yourself the temptation, just whip out your handy dandy notebook and you are set.

7. Start a new TV show and commit to it.

The days are over of you watching the pilot episode of every TV show ever. Give the shows a chance! At LEAST watch three or four episodes before you decide the show just “isn’t for you.” Stop being noncommittal, it's unhealthy.

8. Cut out soda.

You don't even like the taste... why do you drink it?

9. Write handwritten letters.

If someone you care about is having a bad day, do something about it. An emoji can only do so much and, let's be honest, the double chin Snapchat you sent to cheer them up probably dampened their mood (honestly though how is it possible for one girl to have so many chins????). Write them a letter... maybe you can put that unnecessary set of stationary you bought at TJ Maxx (Maxxinista life) to good use.

10. Put 110% into the things you’re passionate about.

Og Mandino once said, “Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.” Pom is important to you, so make it your priority. Put in the work inside and outside of practice and let your improvement speak for itself. Don’t worry about everyone else’s journey on the team… focus on how you can grow as a dancer. If you want to be successful, prove it by dedicating the time and effort into it that is necessary.

11. Stop multitasking.

When someone is talking to you, listen. Messing with your phone while your friend is telling you a story might not seem like a big deal, but trust me they notice. Having someone’s undivided attention is a good feeling, so make sure people have that good feeling when you’re around.

12. Always look at the tower when you walk past it.

You pass by the tower every single day on your way to class... don't forget to take a second to appreciate it. Use the tower as a reminder as to why you're here. You're at the best university in the world, and the possibilities of what you can accomplish here are endless. Remind yourself of the incredible feeling you had when getting that acceptance letter, and regardless of how overwhelmed you are about tests or homework, always be grateful to be in the position you are in.

13. Turn your stuff in on time.

The number of times you've texted my Editor-in-Chief saying your article is going to be "a few hours late" is getting ridiculous. Stop blaming writer's block, you had PLENTY of time to write it. There is so much going on in the world right now, you really couldn't think of anything to write? The excuses need to stop.

14. Be the kind of friend you would want to have.

Be more compassionate. Not every mistake someone makes deserves to be followed by a lecture from you. Always be honest, be someone people can trust, and above all be kind without expecting anything in return.

15. Be honest with yourself.

If you want to go out, go out. If you want to stay in and watch "Awkward", stay in and watch "Awkward." If going on a run by yourself makes you feel better than going to a mixer, there is nothing wrong with that. You're not "missing out" just because you're not doing all of the things your friends are doing... be real with yourself and be ok with the fact that the things that make other people happy might not be what make you happy.

Well, Sakura, regardless of if you follow these suggestions or not I wish you the best of luck this semester.... have fun and enjoy the ride!