Entering a New Year and a New Semester Once Again

A new year means a new you. Entering 2023 means it’s the perfect opportunity to become the person you want to become. It's an exciting time to start fresh and set new goals for the future. Set new resolutions to meet that will, ultimately, better you in more ways than one. However, with the start of a new year comes stress and uncertainty. So, how can PVS students best face the new year?

The first step is to focus on self-care. With the demands of school and extracurricular activities, it's easy to forget to take care of ourselves. Yet, taking time to relax and recharge is essential for our mental and physical well-being. This can be done by doing small and simple tasks. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a nap, going for a short walk, or even having a snack, mindfulness in the things we do can make all the difference.

Setting achievable goals will help to make the year more productive and help you as well. Try not to set an impossible task for yourself–it’s okay to start small. Change happens in steps, not leaps. This can be done by improving grades, participating in more clubs or sports, volunteering, or eating healthier. In a way, setting these goals is taking care of yourself. This will not only give us something to work towards but also a sense of accomplishment when we reach them.

It's also important to stay organized. With so much going on in our lives, it's easy to lose track of our priorities. Keeping a planner or using a digital calendar can help us stay on top of our responsibilities and ensure that we're making the most of our time.

It's vital to seek support from friends, family, and teachers. Maintaining these relationships and preserving them will keep a sense of structure and stability, something many students may struggle with. Whether we're facing academic challenges or personal struggles, remember that we don't have to go through it alone. Building a strong support system can help us navigate the ups and downs of the year ahead. These familial relationships are strong and these people in our lives only want to help. There’s no shame in asking for help or needing help.

Facing the new year as a high school student can be both exciting and challenging. But it doesn’t have to be – by focusing on self-care, setting achievable goals, staying organized, and seeking support, we can approach the year with confidence and a positive attitude.