Whether it’s the start of a new year, a birthday or just the changing of seasons, people tend to look for opportunities to wipe the slate clean and start again. 

For some, that may mean starting a new exercise regimen or eating healthier foods. For others, it may mean finding a balance between school, family and friends. School-wise, here are some ways to start the new year academic wise:

• Review material you learned last year, do not throw all that knowledge away.
• Clean your study space or room.
• Organize your backpack and throw out things you don’t need anymore.
• Reevaluate your sleep schedule.
• Revisit the goals you had at the start of the school year.
• Find a way to manage stress.

One of the most common New Year’s sayings is “New year, new me.” Many people find the start of a new year as a new chance to discover better opportunities and let go of all the negative things from the past year. 

According to SuccessConsciousness, “A new year is a new beginning. It is like a new birth. As the new year begins, we feel that we need to make changes in our life, start on a new path, do new things, and say goodbye to old habits, problems and difficulties.”

When it comes to making a New Year’s resolution, the most important thing is to look back to the previous year and think about what you would like to improve on. Personal goals could include exercising regularly or drinking eight glasses of water a day. Academic goals might consist of getting your science grade up to an A or getting first chair in band. 

“My New Year’s resolution is to make new friends and get better grades in school,” freshmen Tarania Ramesh said. “Outside of school, I want to start getting more involved in horse riding and possibly perform more in dance and singing.”

The New Year can be a fresh start for everyone. It is all about looking towards the future with optimism. It’s a symbol for starting over, for leaving some things in the past and taking on new challenges. It also gives people an opportunity to grow as a person and change for the better.