I have struggled my whole life with taking the little things for granted, but in recent years, I have started to regret my careless attitude as a youngster. Putting myself first and taking the little things for granted all the time is over, and it is time to start putting my best foot forward.  

There are several things I am going to strive to get better at, which I encourage all of you to strive for as well. Visiting my loved ones more often, especially my grandparents, taking care of the environment in which, we live in, pursuing the things I have passion for, and not caring too much about what other people think of me are my New Year’s resolutions.  

My grandparents are getting older as each sun sets, and I am missing these last few moments I have with them. Being away from home because of college means that I will not be seeing them as much, so I need to take advantage of spending quality time with them making memories when I am at home.  

With climate change, war, and technology, our Earth is dying. It is easy for me to just throw a gum wrapper or candy wrapper out the window, but those little things I do are the biggest things causing said problems. There is nothing just one person can do to save the Earth, so we as a population must decide what is more important: throwing a piece of litter on the ground because it is more convenient or taking the extra steps to create a change.  

My passions in life are writing and sharing it with the world, getting fit by working out and eating healthier, and leading a simple life without the stress of being popular on social media. I am pursuing those passions by working for the Dakota Student and journaling on my own time, exercising everyday whether that be going for a walk or weightlifting, and being in the moments by avoiding going my phone when I am with friends.  

One of my biggest flaws is trying to be someone I am not just to please others, but I am no better than anybody else vice versa. I need to stop thinking that I am less than other people and stop trying to impress people because there is only one person I want to impress, and that is myself.  

You never know when you or a loved one’s time may be up, so I have made it my mission in life to live every day to its fullest. I know that sounds cliché like a New Year’s resolution, but I have been living my life as if I get a redo. You only get one life on this planet, and I intend not to waste it.  

Kelsie Hildebrand is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].