Where did the idea of creating a new year’s resolution come from? According to NPR, there are many disputes on where the practice first originated. While one of the first mentions of the term “new year resolutions” was in a Boston newspaper in 1813, some historians have found references to pledges in diaries across the ages. Still others believe it was adapted from the Babylonians as far back as 2000 B.C. when they would celebrate the new farming season by naming a new king, thanking deities for a good harvest while resolving to return neighbors’ borrowed agricultural equipment. Still others trace the practice to the ancient Romans who first celebrated January first with presents and promises. But no matter where the practice stems from, students and faculty at Wayne Valley plans to participate in the ancient practice of setting our intentions for the new year.
The journalism class set out before the break to ask our community, “What will be your new year’s resolution?” Many students said to do better in school including freshman swimmer and field hockey player Ally Aurich. She plans to focus and “get a better grade in biology.”
Many students plan on focusing on their health and wellness. Sentiments of eating healthier or going outside more were echoed by many interviewed. One sophomore said, “I need to touch more grass this year.”
Some students like Sophia Patula want to create better interpersonal relationships. She wants to, “Be nicer to people even if they aren’t nice to me.”
English teacher Mrs. Nazarko agrees, “I want to practice patience this year.
Traveling more and having more in person experiences were often cited by people. English teacher and yearbook advisor Mrs. Condon says that her resolution is to, “To spend more time doing things I love instead of doing things I don’t wanna do.”
Hopefully, we are all a bit healthier, a bit kinder, a bit more patient and we have a bit more fun doing things we love this year! HAPPY NEW YEAR WAYNE VALLEY! May 2026 be your best year yet!
