As 2025 begins, the students and staff at Aliso Niguel High School are setting new goals for the year ahead, from academic achievements to personal growth and care. The prominent tradition of setting a New Year’s resolution makes for a fun and motivating way to start the year.
A large majority of students at ANHS share the same sentiment of maintaining or improving their grades in the spring semester as their academic goals. They hope to build better study habits, focus on improving time management as well as fostering stronger relationships with their peers and teachers. New Year’s resolutions can be abstract or concrete, but both have the intent of making a change or achieving a new milestone.
Emma Brubaker (12) said, “For 2025, I have set a personal goal of reading 75 or more books this year. I enjoy reading in my spare time, and I look forward to reaching my goal.”
Beyond academic goals, many students also wish to have an enjoyable second semester. For senior students especially, because it is their last semester of high school, they hope to have an enjoyable end to their high school career, free of stress.
Amitis Yaghini (12) said, “This year, I want to have a more positive outlook on life, especially because this will be a pivotal year for me. With graduation from high school and transitioning to a college environment, I hope to face this year not with fear, but rather with excitement. I especially want to attend and participate in the senior-exclusive events with my friends and enjoy the last few months as a high school student.”
Many senior students look forward to college acceptances or life plans after graduation in the upcoming months and anticipate the change that will occur this year. They hope to continue to challenge themselves academically whilst enjoying the moment.
For ANHS staff, many teachers are setting goals to achieve a healthier work-life balance. Recognizing the importance of self-care and finding a harmonious balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being leads to being energized throughout the day.
Mr. Barnett said, “My New Year’s resolution is simple: I’m going to eat dinner and start going to bed earlier. I have realized that with my schedule, getting the proper rest helps me feel fresher and focused in the mornings.”
Other teachers have similarly shared the same sentiment of setting aside some time for personal wellness. For in-school resolutions or hopes, the ANHS staff wishes to have a smooth second semester.
The general consensus from ANHS students as well as ANHS staff seems to be prioritizing work-life balance by finding that comfortable balance between school life and life outside of school. ANHS students aim to maintain their GPA throughout the year and develop their studying habits while enjoying the rest of their school year. ANHS staff aim to prioritize personal health and wellness for school and life.
The start of a new year brings an opportunity for students and staff to re-evaluate their goals and approach life with a sense of renewed motivation as well as optimism.
