It’s that time of year where we begin to consider what we want to improve upon ourselves for the new year. This past year I turned 18, and I became an “adult” and for this next year I want to do fun “adult” things. I want to do things that I have never done before, and things that will hopefully make me a better person in the end.
1. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen
This year is the year that I want to direct a lot of my attention towards giving back. In college, I do a leadership program and a main initiative of the program is connecting leadership with service. I want to put a lot of time and effort into this, and volunteer at a local soup kitchen.
2. Do a Road Trip with a Best Friend
Growing up, my family barely ever went on road trips and I feel like they are an amazing way to bond with someone. This year, I would like to go on one with one of my friends whether it’s to a beach that’s 2 hours away or just traveling back up from college.
3. Get A's in at least 6 classes.
I am someone that is studious and to me getting good grades is something that I hold a high level of importance too. I have a Spring Semester and a Fall Semester this year, and with my expected course load, I believe that I can get As in at least 6 of my classes. Hopefully, more.
4. Write a Book
It’s no secret to my friends that writing is my favorite pass time, and I want to write a full-length book by the end of this year.
5. Be able to write legibly left-handed
I am a righty, and I think writing left hand is something that could be cool and fun to learn.
6. Travel off the East Coast
Fun fact, I have never been off the East Coast and I want to get off of it this year.
7. Document every day of this year
I feel like 2018 could be a big year for me, and I want evidence or something of every day this year. Whether it’s a journal entry, a selfie of what I am doing that day, or even a Snapchat video, I want to be able to physically see my growth as a person as a person this year with at least one piece of something from every day.
8. Eat vegetables at least once a day.
Fun fact: I hate vegetables, and I have gone numerous days without eating any. This year, I want to start to eat healthily, and my plan is to start by eating vegetables. Baby steps.
9. Do a 24 Hour Technology Black-Out
There are days when I easily spend more time on my phone then I do talking to real people. I want to go a full 24 hours without my phone, computer, TV, basically all things that can get me in touch with the outside world. I feel like it would be therapeutic, and it would definitely give me a good Odyssey article to write about.
10. Be able to lift 15 pounds without my arms hurting
High key, I am one of the weakest people I know. As I write this article today, I cannot comfortably 15 pounds without grunting out of discomfort. Hopefully this time next year, that will not be the case.
11. Begin my own research
In high school, I did a lot of research and I didn’t do any during my first semester of college. I miss that. I want to begin doing something in research, whether it’s Geology, Meteorology, or even something to do with education, I want to do have a research idea of my own.
12. Be able to do 5 push-ups
Like I’ve said, I am really weak and I could never do a complete and proper push-up. This year, I want to do 5 in a row.
13. Learn how to cook 3 meals
I’ve said that I cannot cook for my dear life in one of my previous articles. This year, I don’t want that to be the case anymore, and I want to be able to cook at least 3 meals without terribly messing up.
14. Go to a concert
Fun Fact: I have never been to a concert, and 2018 will be the year that I will change that. Also, if any hot guy wants to take me to my first concert… Let’s just say I am single. #kidding (but please free things are nice.)
15. Get a 100 on a test or a quiz that is worth more than 20 points
I mean, getting a 100 is the highest you could ever do and I feel like it’s possible that I could do this at least once this year.
16. Pick up a new hobby
I am someone that likes to constantly learn new things, and I feel like picking up a new hobby will be a great way to learn something that is brand new. I do this every year, in 2016 it was writing, 2017 it was understanding football, and 2018... I don’t know yet, but when I find out there will be an article on it.
17. Conduct an interview
I love to write for the Odyssey, and one type of article that I have never submitted is an interview. I want to do to submit an interview. That means I have to do one first, and it’s something I’ve never done before, but am eager to do so.
18. Buy a lotto ticket
I turned 18 this year, and one thing I have yet to do is buy a lotto ticket. I want to do it, and who knows? Maybe I will be a lot richer. #staytuned. DISCLAIMER: if you are under 18, don't buy a lotto scratcher, it's illegal.
Basically, I just want content to write about in 2018. I kid, but I want to do these things because these are things that I don’t do. I don’t go out every day lifting weights or doing pushups, and I am eager to start. Also, it looks like I have a lot on my plate, thankfully I have a whole year to procrastinate! #kidding