With the end of another year and the beginning of the next upon us, many people find themselves making resolutions for a new start. Whether it may be to get better grades, be healthier, or make more time for friends and family, the New Year is a time for change. Although millions of people make resolutions, how often do they actually work? I interviewed Juniata students to find out about their resolutions, how often they work, and how to keep motivated to stick to your goals.

Carolyn Biery ‘13, Washington, D.C.: “It’s been a while since I’ve made New Years resolutions. I think it depends on what you ask for from yourself. It’s definitely do-able if you make realistic goals for yourself.”

Lucus Thompson ‘13, Newtown, Pa.: “I think that New Year’s resolutions work if you make your mind up to do it. This year my goal is to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.”

Alexandra Turner ‘13, Evanston, Ill.: “I think New Year’s resolutions work just as well as any time that you make goals for yourself. You have to be dedicated; without the dedication it never works. This semester I decided to focus more on academics. So far I’ve succeeded at this goal.”

Ara Brancamp ‘12, Carmichael, Calif.: “This year I made a resolution to stop smoking and so far it’s working! “

Jamie Pattison ‘10, Shippensburg, Pa.: “A lot of times, I don’t think resolutions work. It takes a lot more commitment than people realize, and once they get busy they forget all about the goal.”

-Liz Roberts ‘10, Juniata Online Journalist