New school year, new you! The you of the past was left in last year, so even if it wasn't your best year, remember that you can make this new one great. Contrary to popular belief, it is never too late to make your dreams come true. In this list, I'll be offering you a list of goals and expectations that you can set for yourself this year - and ACCOMPLISH!

1. Straight A's

Challenge yourself to get straight A's every single marking period of the school year. However, you've got to do it for the right reasons. Y

es, straight A's are a beloved aspiration of every parent, as all parent's dream of success and happiness for their children. You've got to get these straight A's because you want them. I've been there.

"Hey mom, if I get straight A's, can I please get a new phone?"

Yes, this is appealing, and probably some pretty good motivation. However, strive to get all A's for your own benefit because you want success. You want that feeling of all your hard work paying off. That new phone is just an added plus.

2. A 4.0 GPA

Now I'm not saying that you have to be perfect, but hey, perfect is pretty darn great, if I do say so myself. And it's not unrealistic, either. Along with straight A's, which corresponds with a perfect GPA, a 4.0 GPA is obtainable and not an unrealistic dream. It requires focus, hard work, and effort. But it can be yours, if you want it badly enough.

3. Valedictorian/Top Of Your Class

Another goal that you might consider may seem unrealistic to even think of. Really, its not incomprehensible. What I'm trying to convey is the fact that anything is possible if you want it bad enough and work hard enough. I'm trying to convince you, and perhaps even convince myself. Because we all know that sometimes, we need a little inspiration to get us through the day. Even the most motivated of us.

4. Confidence & Self-Assurance

It's easy to get down on yourself. Oh, I'll never get into an Ivy League, I'm not smart enough, I'm not pretty enough, I'm not strong, nor brave enough. But, imagine what could be possible if we did in fact believe in ourselves?

Why, the world could be yours if you only believed you were worthy of it. Self-assurance and success go hand-in-hand. You've got to believe in yourself. You are worthy of success, of happiness. You know who you are, and you know you are capable of so much more than you tell yourself you are.

5. Getting Into The College Of Your Choice

I have huge dreams, some that seem so far out of my reach that it's like shooting for the moon. My top dream though, is getting into the college of my dreams, the University Of Southern California. Just the idea of getting accepted into it truly sends butterflies throughout my stomach. It's my dream, even as a little sophomore. It truly is an excellent goal, one every student should have and be passionate as I am about.

Education is the key to success, at least that's what I whole heartedly believe. Getting into college is a milestone, a right of passage for myself and I'm sure for many others. College is my ultimate goal, with success and a degree(s) following it.

And, I truly believe that it is never too early to dream, nor is it ever too late! It may seem like the odds are against you, but if you truly believe in yourself, work your hardest, and put in the most effort possible, any of your wildest dreams can be within your reach.

This school year can be the best one ever, if that's what you want. Sometimes, you have to create your own sunshine. Likewise, you have to create your own success and sometimes even shovel your own pathway on the road there. Leave a legacy. Life is too short to waste overthinking about what could or could not happen. Happiness and success is within your reach, if you believe that it is. Life is what you make it.

So, let's make it the best life ever.