Here at the start of the new year, our Upper School students are feeling optimistic about 2023 and have set some goals and resolutions to help become the best version of themselves! Surprisingly enough, according to an online survey, only about nine percent of people stick with their resolutions. However, we all know that RMA students are overachievers, so I have faith the students mentioned below will successfully carry out their goals. Make sure if you see them in the hallway or in class to ask how their resolutions are going since a little encouragement never hurt anyone!

Seniors Elle Bartolomeo and Harrison Vaughn both shared with me that they hope to spend more time reading books they enjoy and less time on their phones. Elle plans on getting into more books like her favorite Ugly Love by Collen Hoover in her free time. She also feels that she has spent far too much screen time on social media apps that are in no way beneficial to her. Taking a break from Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, etc. can definitely improve mental health and remind us to be present in the current moment and live for ourselves, not the way we look on social media. 

Riley Bowles, another senior at RMA, says her resolution is to learn to get organized and stay that way. “It’s one thing to get your room and closet straightened up, but another to keep it clean,” says Riley. She has intentions to focus on getting her schoolwork done and organized early to eliminate stress and having to work under last-minute deadlines. Having a clean and functional living space is helpful in providing a clear mindset and increasing productivity, so these two goals go hand-in-hand.

Nicole Mason, junior, has a resolution of learning to “let go and not worry about other people’s opinions as much.” She hopes to have more fun and care less about what people think because in reality, “life is short and you might as well enjoy being young while you can.”

A fellow Media Office member Mari Robin Tharin adds that her goal for 2023 is to be more appreciative of her time left in Rocky Mount before graduation. Personally, I love this attitude, and I hope the rest of the senior class adopts it as well. We spend so much time wishing for the next best thing that we often forget to slow down and appreciate what we have. With our time in Rocky Mount nearing an end in about four months, we all need to savor what’s left and enjoy spending time with friends and family, connecting with teachers, and going to our favorite small-town spots.