By Isabella Popo
Welcome back Mustangs! The air is brisk, Fondren is empty, and Armstrong is flooded; just like the good old days. Except one thing is different: it’s 2025! If you’re anything like me, the new year gives me the chance to start fresh and leave the past behind. It’s also a chance for, what some may call, a re-brand.
Whether you want to have better study habits, a more disciplined morning routine, or to finally answer the 600 texts that you’ve left on delivered, the new year can help us stay goal-oriented and motivated. I spoke to some friends to see what their goals were for 2025.
Sophomore Chloe Jones has a multitude of resolutions she hopes to accomplish this year: growing in her faith, getting all A’s this semester, and having better money management.
But let’s be honest—sticking to resolutions is easier said than done. The excitement of January has quickly faded into the reality of coursework, social commitments, and the ever-present temptation of a lazy afternoon after your last noon class. The key to lasting change isn’t perfection, it’s consistency. Even small steps, like swapping your late-night Uber Eats order for a dining hall meal or setting a five-minute timer to clean your room, can build momentum toward your bigger goals.
“It’s super easy to put your resolutions all on a list and say, ‘oh this is exactly what I’m going to do,’ but to stick with it and have a plan is definitely difficult,” Jones said.
So, what do we do when certain resolutions aren’t being met?
“I think it’s so easy to be hard on yourself, especially when you have a goal you want to achieve and you don’t do the things you need to do to get there. But, at the same time, every day is a new day, and you have to keep moving forward,” said Brooke Bjerky, a freshman centering her resolutions around self-care practices.
Of course, the new year isn’t just about self-improvement—it’s also about reconnecting with the people and passions that make SMU feel like home. Whether that means joining a new club, supporting Mustang athletics, or simply catching up with friends over coffee at Sadelle’s, take time to embrace the fresh energy that comes with a new semester.
So, Mustangs, as we dive into another semester filled with opportunity, let’s keep our ambitions high and our expectations realistic. Whether you accomplish every resolution or just made it through your first few weeks in one piece, you’re already off to a great start. Cheers to another year of growth, success, and, of course, plenty of fun along the way!