New Year's Resolutions That Spark Creativity

          It’s a new year and everyone is racking their brains to think of the best and most sustainable resolution possible.  Some just want to diet or exercise, which are both great ways to jumpstart a healthy lifestyle.  Others resolve to help less fortunate people, animals, or the world in general so that we can all live in a safer and more stable society or be more involved in a religion.  But, some people have unique ideas that stem from their hobbies and interests that are humorous as well as possible.

          At Lake Hamilton, many of the students have a creative side through their resolutions including junior, Kelli Matthews, who has made a commitment to prevent people from walking all over her.  “I’m going to not allow people to use me or manipulate my feelings,” Kelli stated when asked what she planned to do.  Kelli’s resolution is creative in a way that may cause others to stand up for themselves while not retaliating against their foes.  On the other hand, another student I spoke with hopes to be a more humble person.  “I see people being vain and it makes me want to be more modest,” he answered when interviewed.  As a listener, they are great ideas to better social interaction between the students at Lake Hamilton. 

          Apart from traits, some students would like to do something out of the ordinary just to say they did.  Tori Pennington told me she wants to grow dreadlocks and jump off of at least 50 concert stages this year.  Her resolution is one that pertains to her happiness and sense of accomplishment.  Granted it isn’t for everyone, but for Tori, it is just one of those things to mark off of her bucket list.  Another girl I know has a touching resolution.  April Whittington wants to go places with her song writing because she wants to inspire other people since music has always helped her through tough times.  Seeing her light up at the prospect of helping others with something that shaped her into the beautiful person she is today made me realize her creative resolution could truly benefit more people than she may realize.  Apart from the students, there are some teachers with creative and hilarious ideas.  “I want to adopt a child from every country because I like foreign food,” Ms. A said sarcastically, indicating that not all resolutions have to be taken so seriously.  Perhaps some people should make up a funny resolution like hers in order to laugh a little and let go of the stressful things that come up in life.  Mrs. Higgs stated “I want to add to my burgeoning skull collection,” with a smile.  If you have never seen her skull collection, you really should walk to the end of the 200 hallway and take a peek.  She really is the cranium collector and it is a creative resolution that is interesting as well as doable. One teacher was less comical in explaining they would like to surround themselves with positive people in order to create a positive atmosphere.  I found this statement to be a beneficial notion to create a better learning environment at Lake Hamilton.

          After some thought, I decided on three things I feel I must do in the year 2011.  I have vowed to not take the end of my high school career or the beginning of my college experience for granted.  I want to savor every moment and create memories that I will cherish throughout my lifetime.  I also want to quit procrastinating.  Creative right?  But, more than anything, I want to impact the world in a positive way.  The summer after my tenth grade year I went to Washington D.C. to attend the Washington Leadership Conference.  It was there that I learned many of the issues that affect our world and decided I would play a vital role in the fight against hunger.  I made a Living to serve plan and I hope to really dive into it this year.  I have decided to title it FFA: Hungry to Help, although anyone can be a part of it.  I plan to start helping those in my community and later expanding worldwide.

          I see many great things coming from these resolutions in the near future.  If everyone at Lake Hamilton would write down a list of creative and beneficial resolutions, interesting new ideas would turn into great movements.

         

Taylor Duke