This is the first in a two-part series in which members of The Hatchet’s opinions section – editors, columnists and writers, representing a range of majors and class years – share what they hope to accomplish in the new year.
We hope you find some of these resolutions, or at least parts of them, applicable to your life. Happy New Year.
Robin Jones Kerr, a senior majoring in journalism, is The Hatchet’s opinions editor.
Heading into my last semester at GW, I’ve promised myself I’m going to start cooking. It’s been a long time coming, and I simply don’t have an excuse anymore. I live in an off-campus apartment with a full-size kitchen, and I know most of my peers aren’t so lucky. I’m barely spitting distance from Trader Joe’s. And after I complained about eating out for more than half my meals, my brother showered me in kitchen-themed Christmas gifts this year. I’m now the proud but incompetent owner of a full set of pots and pans, a beautiful knife set and a cutting board. No more excuses in 2015: I’m going to force myself to be more than a Chipotle connoisseur.
Sean Hurd, a junior majoring in exercise science, is The Hatchet’s sports columnist.
There’s no debate that the sports hype on campus revolves around the men’s basketball team. The Colonials’ success last season has made them the most visible GW athletic program. However, even though GW toppled then-No. 11 Wichita State on Christmas Day, I wouldn’t call the men’s basketball team the most impressive program on Foggy Bottom. That title belongs to the women’s basketball team.
The women’s team has won its last nine games, winning each of those games by an average margin of 20.11 points. Like the men’s team, the women’s team was the champion of its holiday tournament, which took place in November. The team is currently 11-2 on the year, and even features a national player-of-the-year candidate – junior Jonquel Jones.
While the fan spotlight shines brightly on the men’s basketball program, it can be easy to forget about other programs that are worth watching on campus – which even I can admit to doing.
There are only a handful of teams in season during the winter. The men’s and women’s squash programs are worth a watch: Both are ranked in the top 20 nationally, with the men at No. 18 and the women at No. 8. So my New Year’s resolution, and a suggestion to you folks out there, is to watch more GW programs in addition to men’s basketball in 2015.
Kendrick Baker, a freshman double-majoring in political science and economics, is a Hatchet opinions writer.
Because I’ve always considered New Year’s resolutions superficial, unnecessary and demonstrative of a lack of character, I thought it unlikely that I would consider making one myself. The comforts of home, however, foster a bit of self-reflection.
Returning home for winter break can be a time of relaxation, recharging and perhaps some fraternizing with old friends. During the year, this month-long break feels like an eternity, so I tend to mentally delay projects – like reading a book in Spanish or improving on the piano – that should have been done long ago, and justify this procrastination with the phrase, “I’ll get to that over break.”
My New Year’s resolution is simply to do what needs to be done as soon as I can, instead of delaying self-improvement for the next vacation. As we head into the spring semester, I’m realizing that college isn’t about improving yourself on a solely intellectual basis: It’s about creating the foundation on all fronts for who you want to be as a person, and it’s time for my priorities to reflect that.
Varun Joshi, a junior double-majoring in economics and math, is a Hatchet opinions writer.
Today, society’s interface is more electronic than personal. Do we ever halt in our fast-paced hours to observe other people in the Metro? Isn’t it strange, per implied social contract, to ignore individuals squeezed beside you, behind you or in front of you? Isn’t it bizarre that smiling kindly at a stranger might be deemed creepy?
In a world with increasing social insularity – everyone absorbed in the worlds of their smartphones or tablets – and the immense stress resulting from a competitive and corporate-geared culture, instances of human empathy are sadly few and far between.
I’m resolving to show more empathy – be it a kind word here or there or even a reassuring smile to a stranger in silent need. Small actions can truly come a long way in making society a more pleasurable place.
Georgia Lawson, a freshman majoring in political communication, is a Hatchet opinions writer.
My resolution this year is to seize every opportunity that comes my way. As a freshman still finding my place at GW, I want to be sure to utilize the many resources in this new, stimulating environment that surrounds me. I want to explore my options and learn from every experience that comes my way, no matter how big or small. Carpe Diem, my friends.
Elizabeth McClellan, a freshman majoring in journalism, is a Hatchet opinions writer.
As the spring semester begins, I would like to run more and use running as an opportunity to explore D.C. Being more active will help me manage my stress and perhaps visit some of the District’s majestic sights. I’ve also thus far been somewhat intimidated by the Lerner Health and Wellness Center, so paying it a visit is a definite goal.
