It is a new year and a new semester. It is around this time of year when resolutions are brewing and there is an openness to change. What better time to introduce yourself to something new that you have not tried at the university. Last semester is done and in the books. This semester think about all of the things that you did not get a chance to explore, try, or do on your campus. College is the perfect time to go and explore things free or very low costs. Commit yourself to trying two new things this semester. Go visit a play in the theater, go to a sporting event, or participate in an intramural activity. Join a club, already in one? Take on a leadership role. Take a class that peaks your interest as an elective, volunteer in the local community, or look for a part-time position on campus. Think about Greek life, take a fitness class, or start a community garden. Join an honorary society, have lunch on campus somewhere you have not dined, or get to know you RA. There are many ways to get involved and to try new things.
Take the first few weeks of the New Year and decide how you want to map out your semester/quarter. While mapping out your plans, be sure to create a list of short term and long term goals. Your short term goals should include something you will accomplish in 4-8 weeks and your long term goals should be accomplished within 8-16 weeks. Make your goals varied in focus, interest, and difficulty. Academic, personal, and achievement should all be included. Perhaps your short term goal is to join an organization and your long term goal may be to join the executive board for next year. These are obtainable goals and will allow you to push yourself into new roles you may not have considered.
Take in the New Year and try something new. Each semester you should push yourself out of your comfort zone to try something new. If you don’t like it you can always try something new and hopefully be able to share your experience with someone else. Ready, set, go…create at least two goals of trying something new this semester/quarter.