The New Year brings one of my favorite things: fresh starts. I get to make resolutions each year that will (hopefully) help me become a better me. This year, I'm thinking about the future. Next year, I will be off at college, and hopefully these resolutions will help me become the best college student (and person) I can be.

1. Care less about what other people think of me

As a high school student, I am surrounded by people every day. Being in school has made me self-conscious about how I look, dress, and act. Before I leave for college, I want to stop worrying so much about what other people think of me. I am a unique individual, and I feel like I should treat myself as such.

2. Wear less makeup

Recently, I've gone through a couple procedures to remove my acne scars left behind from my pre-teen years (I wrote an article about my journey, which you can read here). I had a tendency to cake on the makeup while I had my scars because I was embarrassed by them, but now that they're removed, I want to wear significantly less makeup.

3. Write in a journal more often

I'm obsessed with writing and journalism, but I find that I never write in my journals at home. Whether it be because I'm busy or tired or lazy, I always find a reason to not write about the highs and lows of my day. In 2017, I want to encourage myself to write more, which has also been proven to reduce my stress and anxiety.

4. Eat only when hungry

I have a horrible habit, as a student, to binge eat. Because I'm usually rushing out the door in the morning and never get a chance to eat lunch, I have a tendency to stuff my face as soon as I get home from school, even if I'm not that hungry.

5. Increase my productivity levels

With college rapidly approaching, my study habits must change. I love my sleep, but I know I won't be getting much next year. I want to use the new year as motivation to be more productive and get used to the schedule I'm going to have in college.