Soojin Kim is currently a sophomore at the Academies@Englewood. She enjoys reading, listening to music, and people-watching in her spare time. She hopes to make her writing interesting and thought-provoking for the people who read it.

2020 was a crazy year. Too crazy. But there’s a lot I’ve learned from it. For many people, the start of the new year is a time for retrospection, reflection, and projection of one’s self. 2021 is not a clean slate from 2020, but rather a more informed time. I think now, more than ever, is the perfect time to better ourselves in various ways—personally, socially, emotionally, academically, mentally, and/or physically.

Although many people give up and fail to follow through with their New Year’s resolutions (sometimes a month or even a week later), making New Year’s resolutions still gives one hope and motivation. I have made a list of my own New Year’s resolutions, which might be a source of inspiration for you.

#1. Start writing a journal.

I think it is important to document your thoughts and feelings because it allows you to sort out your emotions. Everyone has an interesting story to tell, and a journal provides a safe, comfortable platform for people to articulate what they want to share. For me, I plan to write daily journal entries, even if I just scribble down a few random thoughts some days. I want a space where I can digest and process my thoughts and feelings about current events, both sociopolitical and personal.

#2. Learn how to defend myself.

I want to learn some self-defense moves and tips because they might come in handy someday. Knowing how to defend yourself is definitely a practical and crucial skill. I am not referring to only physical defense mechanisms but also verbal ones as well. Recently, I have encountered many people who have very differing views from me on politics and race, for example, and often I struggle to navigate these types of conversations where I need to defend myself while also building a level of understanding.

#3. Learn to cook.

Just like knowing self-defense moves, knowing how to cook and navigate through a kitchen is a life skill. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, meals were one of the few times when my family and I would intentionally spend time together and talk—even though we are all home all the time. When I have time, I help my mom out in the kitchen, but I’d like to play a bigger part in this communal activity.

#4. Read more.

I want to try to read twenty books this year. My first book to start the year off is Pride and Prejudice, a popular romantic novel written by Jane Austen in 1813. I also want to read books about politics and history as a way of continual learning, following the sociopolitical significance that 2020 held.

#5. Cultivate a sense of style.

Last but not least, I want to learn how to dress better. During the pandemic, I have become so accustomed to wearing either my pajamas or a sweatshirt with sweatpants since I am home all the time. But I have realized that the way you dress says a lot about you, your personality, and your persona. Therefore, I hope I can add more color, style, and variety to my wardrobe.

Making this list of goals has already sparked an introspective mode for myself. I hope you’re encouraged to do the same. Achieving goals takes time, effort, and accountability, but I’m feeling excited and hopeful.