Ahh, 2018. It seems like just last week we were enjoying 2017. Oh, wait. Anyway, another year brings with many opportunities. For me, 2018 represents an important year. It's my graduation year, and I'll also have to decide what the next step for me is in terms of my education. Will I go to graduate school? If I do decide to go, I'll have to decide where I want to go, and what I want to study. I'm not sure if it will come as a shock to anyone, but I don't think I'll continue studying in my current field (finance). I may decide to go in a completely different direction, for reasons I'll keep disclosed for now.

In talking about the new year, I think we should set our goals based on where we are in life, where we want to get to, and what we can do to help the world become a better place. For my fellow graduates, we are in something of a crossroads. The most important thing for us is to have a plan for ourselves.

This year comes with pressure from all angles. Parents are eager to see us walk that stage, and walk into graduate school or solid-paying work. This isn't always the case with every student. Some of us have different paths we want to chase, and that's ok. As long as you have a plan, and short-term goals in place, you should make the effort to achieve those goals.

There is the elephant in the room for some of us, student loans. Most kids that attend college have loans, and after you graduate, they are your first source of real debt. It's also a part of growing up. There are options out there to help us, such as loan consolidation, and you should be aware of them because they can make the process of paying back loans much easier.

Also, if you can work, or intern with companies with student loan forgiveness programs, you should look into them, and apply immediately. Nothing is impossible, and by being proactive against your student loans, you can conquer them quickly and sometimes easily!

Anyone that knows me is aware that I'm a huge basketball fan, mainly NBA. I love everything basketball and can discuss it all day every day with anyone who knows the game. This year, I've decided to pursue it in a more serious way. I'm going to start releasing videos, breaking down basketball, and discussing it with fellow fans. I'm going to create my own version of the popular shows "First Take" and "Undisputed". I feel as though my personality lends itself to this type of endeavor and it's time to start putting my actions to my words. This year, I want to tackle my procrastination and start making a name for myself.

As far as school goes, I am determined to finish the year out strong. Last semester, I did ok, but you know how professors can be, giving out B+ grades when you deserved A's. No worries. This semester is not about professors or work. It's about focusing on the task at hand, and being the best student you can be. It's hard to imagine this being the end of undergraduate studies, but it's been a hell of a ride. Now, it's time to buckle down and knock out these classroom responsibilities with ease, which I am capable of. I am my only obstacle, and I refuse to beat myself.

2018, should be the year of emergence. It's the year of becoming dependent and self-sufficient. New year, new me is cliché, but it's the truth. I'm discovering my inner beast this year, I'm on top this year, nothing can stop me, man. Don't believe me just watch. My 22nd year looks promising.