With New Year’s just around the corner, it’s time to hear from student Titans on what their goals are after the clock strikes 12.
Brianna Brown-Cushenberry, a senior Psychology major, wants to take the new year as an opportunity for more self-expression.
“My resolution this year is to have more fun with my hair and makeup — to try new looks,” Brown-Cushenberry said. “I want to dress for fun even when I won’t be out long instead of putting on an outfit that’s just ‘okay’ to get through the day.”
Communications major Hisham Almadani wants to spend the year making more time for himself.
“I want to focus more on myself and be more self-centered,” Almadani said. “My immediate goal heading into the new year is to begin law school after admission, and from there, I hope to continue my growth as a person and as an upcoming professional. Outside of academics, I want to develop more discipline and maintain a positive, grounded sense of self as much as possible.”
Similarly, Grace Patrick has done some self-reflection, and as she heads toward graduation, she wants to work on being more positive.
“My New Year’s resolution is to approach life with a less judgmental view and to be more vigilant about the negativity that I allow into my life and expel,” Patrick said. “As I begin my journey towards graduation in May, I hope that this outlook will inspire me to seek experiences that allow me to flourish in the next chapter of my life as I come to the close of this one.”
Alternatively, first-year political science major Chisom Nwoke has a few external goals they hope to accomplish soon.
“In 2026, I have a couple of goals I’d like to implement for the new year,” Nwoke said. “I’d like to exercise more, perhaps by signing up for an activity through the fitness center. Next year, I’d like to read more books—fiction is my favorite genre, but there have been a variety of titles that have caught my eye this year that I intend to read next year. Finally, I want to write more in 2026. I need to get better at all types of writing anyway, because I plan on eventually taking the LSAT.” .
When Melissa Converse, a senior English major, was asked about her plans for the New Year, she titled her plan the Year of Healthy Choices. Action points included renewing her gym membership, which she joked is conveniently next to a Baskin-Robbins, only buying ice cream when it’s on sale to practice fiscal responsibility and listening better to others so she knows who is up for an ice cream trip.
The end of the year and the close of their penultimate semester have political science majors Jenna Saker and Tara Miyo reflecting on their time at UDM as they decide how they want their last semester to go.
Saker said, “My New Year’s resolution is to make the most of my senior year & end my time at UDM with happiness and blessings.
Miyo echoed a similar sentiment, she said, “My New Year’s resolution is to slow down and enjoy every moment life has to offer. Life the last four years has been wonderful, but so fast-paced.” She added on, “I want to take the time this year to enjoy graduating and starting grad school, I want to go out more and find new friends! I hope to become more well-rounded and maybe even pick up a new hobby!”
Gracelyn Peebles, who studies psychology and criminal justice, wants to start the new year off by letting go of the past in favor of the future.
Peebles said, “Life is always moving forward, might as well move with it and not hold onto the negatives of the past.”
Lauryn McDougal, a senior biology major, is going to get a head start on tackling her procrastination. She says she often stresses herself out unnecessarily by pushing back on starting her work, and she knows it’s a source of a lot of stress. Her first step to cutting out procrastination will be deleting TikTok within the coming days.
Finally, Ji Luth spent her last semester at UDM preparing for what comes next.
“My New Year’s resolution for 2026 is to get into a good daily routine before I leave for dental school in the summer,” Luth said. “I want to build a routine around going to the gym and learning how to meal prep. I would also like to spend time with my friends and family before I leave.”
Whether your resolutions are complete or still works in progress, it’s always good to take time to reflect on the year and make the next one the best yet.