New Year New Me

Having a unique experience of changing schools during a crucial time in a growing teenager's life has given me a very helpful insight on what to expect in the future. I carried my old customs with me into my new school and left with a more mature view of the world with a desire to tackle the next stage in my adolescent life which was High School. High School was like changing schools all over again, but this time I was ready and knew what to expect. I was nervous at first but I was also determined incorporate what I learned into my high school experience and make a change within the high school itself. I entered more clubs, participated in community service, took music classes, made different kinds of friends and became involved in my school. Everything I have done was to prepare me for college in order to make the best of what is to come. I am ready to take the next big step in my life and I am certain that my experiences will contribute to the diversity of the college life. As another year begins, so does the dreaded month known as January. The month of cold weather, dark days, darker nights and paying for your pint in pennies (we’ve all been there!). But one of the worst (or best) things about the new year is all those resolutions. Like Facebook users everywhere, my newsfeed has been crammed full of people resolving left, right and centre, from the standard weight loss plans, to those ‘I must work harder at uni/work/school’ types. I can only imagine gyms all over England are full of new members, kitted out in the most prestigious gym wear, clutching their ‘Slim-Fast’ milkshakes in a not-so-secret plan to slim down for summer. I have always been rubbish at keeping resolutions of any sort. The only resolution I have ever kept is the one I make every single year… Not to make any pointless resolutions that I know I will not keep. Even the year I resolved, aged 14, to watch a ‘Friends’ episode every day resulted in me eventually hating what had been my favourite TV show, and cringing every time I heard the familiar tones of that opening title sequence. But this year is going to be different. This will be the year I actually stick to my resolutions (and yes, I am aware I’m eight days late in this decision – but no one is perfect!).

Essence of Christmas

Christmas meaning is expressed differently by different people. For many people, Christmas is a time of sorrow. They may not be financially stable and therefore may not have the extra money to buy presents for their children, family, and friends. Many are saddened at Christmastime when they think of their loved ones who will not be able to come home for various reasons. They may have lost their loved ones at this time of year. They may be alone and have no one in this world to keep them company not even in this special season. Others make it an occasion to spend more on unnecessary gifts or an excuse to drink and party more.The meaning of Christmas is what you make it. Using the time to be with each other, making Christ the center of your Christmas celebrations and to give attention instead of presents is more important. Apart from being a celebration of Jesus Christ, Christmas is a time of peace and love. Christmas has not lost its meaning, we have lost it. The meaning is still there for those who seek it.It is about giving not receiving anything....it also is the day Jesus was born.