Every New Years Eve, those overachievers are always thinking about what they can change about themselves as soon as that clock strikes 12 and the ball drops. Last year I honestly think I slept through the 31st, but I have to admit I am one of those individuals who makes these crazy decisions and is going to make a drastic change the next day. I don't know about you, but every January 1st, I always feel a little different, not a little older, but that time has changed and so have I.

This year my resolutions will be a little different and will be more of a positive reflection. College life is unique and only those who are in the atmosphere understand. SO, before we start making crazy physical changes, let's give some self-love and reflect on what we have accomplished this year.

We just finished a year and a half or more of school!

I don't know about you, but finishing my first year of college and being halfway done with sophomore year, I just realized how fast time flies. At the beginning of 2018, I had many goals. I just finished the first semester of my freshman year and I feel like I got comfortable with the whole college thing. I became more aware of campus, what my purpose was while in college, and how to study and play the game we like to call "pass class successfully".

I would like to give it up to the beautiful baristas at Starbucks, for they played a big role in my success. I spent most of my time studying there, getting a morning coffee, or just unwinding before and after a class. I am proud that during this crazy time I found time for myself. Although I manage to cut down on my addiction with coffee from going from four cups a day to one, There are only minor adjustments this year. Take Your Time! I feel like a lot of us rush whatever were doing just to check it off the checklist. this year I want to enjoy every assignment, our even more effort, because now that I am getting more into my degree some of these projects can be used for portfolios or just to have as a reference.

Internships?

Okay, so I am a bit of an overachiever or just have a lot of anxiety and avoid any failure and the first day of freshman year my teacher emphasized the importance of internships before they even knew my name. I got my first internship within the first two months of my freshman year and for those who are in my shoes going into the second semester of your sophomore year... I advise you get with the program. Now is the time to start getting experience with whatever you want to do in life. This campus offers so many programs tailored to your interest and every program is very hands on.

The more exposure and experience you have and can use as a reference, the more appeal you will have to any employer. This year I am excited to learn more through my internship and my goal this year is to really STEP IT UP. Not saying I slacked, but now is the time to really focus on my dreams.

I need to work on me before others!

This semester and last, I have learned a lot about myself and my peers. as time has passed the picture became a lot clearer, I learned the keys to being a good human, which is not always emphasized in the classes we take in college. The beauty of college is not only learning about what you want to do in life but learn about you in the process. Now before you even harp on yourself with ideas like "I need to lose more weight" or "New Year's resolution: Gym every day", focus on the things you accomplished and aim for small change. The reason why resolutions only last a couple weeks is that not many can make a complete 360 instantly and give up if improvements don't appear instantly. IT TAKES TIME!

Before I even dare tackle what I need to change about myself in 2019, I want to acknowledge what I accomplished this year, and you should too! Whether it's getting an A on your biology test or just passing it, anything big or small is an accomplishment. In 2019, I hope that everyone acknowledges that mental health is just as important to getting good grades in college. You need to take care of yourself and most importantly before you even dare judge others, worry about yourself. This year I tackled the whole staying healthy and going to the gym, but I still need improvement, but acknowledging your accomplishments will only help you continue through your journey! I hope that 2019 brings more love, positivity, more encouragements, less jealousy, and most importantly more peace! It sounds cheesy, but this world needs these simple acts of kindness!

Most importantly... reflect on what you do have!

This year importantly, I have realized how precious times is and most of the time we waste our time worrying about things that haven't even come or might not happen at all. It is good to have goals and strive to live a better tomorrow, but it's also important not to neglect what today brings. Appreciate your health which is as simple as the ability to walk and talk, the ability to go to college, the ability to explore and do whatever you want. Your only limit is yourself and you may not believe that, but it is true.

So dream for a better tomorrow, make goals, but don't forget what you have already overcome and achieved!