The 2024 Spring Semester has just begun and everyone on campus is ready to get back into their routines. The beginning of this new year and new semester will look different for everyone, but we all have one thing in common; we are all starting new classes and meeting new people. It is important to be mindful of your goals and ambitions at the start of this new year. I am not saying you need to make new year’s resolutions or cut out major aspects of your life, because we all know that approach does not always work out, but there are plenty of simple ways to better yourself in the new year by setting good intentions for yourself and by taking advantage of the resources provided for you on campus.
One way you can start the new year and new semester is by choosing one specific word or goal that you would like to achieve. For example, if you want to find ways to plan out your days in a more efficient way and to keep better track of due dates, your word could be “organized.” Maybe you want to better your personal well-being, your word could be, “self-care.” Taking one word and making it your intention to find ways to implement that word and all that it represents could be a great start to better yourself in the new year.
If your goal for the new year is something along the lines of wanting to become more involved on campus, wanting to meet new people and form deeper connections with your peers, or to simply just get out more, there will be plenty of activities and events to attend on campus this semester. If you are wanting to find new ways to be active, try stopping by the Wellness Center more often. Not only can you use their equipment to find ways to be active on your own, but they also offer a wide range of group exercise classes ranging from yoga, Zumba, cycling, and kickboxing. These classes provide a great outlet for staying active and help bring together people with common interests.
No matter what time it is in the semester, there is almost always something going on on campus. There are often events held at the Memorial Union by different organizations on campus. These events are meant to bring those with common interests together to participate in new activities to get to know each other and to just have fun. The best way to get involved with the different activities on campus is to keep your eye on the Student Life Weekly Newsletter, which will keep you updated on when and where events will be happening.
A new year and new semester means that there is potential for new beginnings and new opportunities to better ourselves as students and people. So, with the new year, get out and try something new or simply just find new routines or experiences that you can use to truly better yourself in the new year.
Nora Lee is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].
