Traditions seem to surround many holidays, so of course,celebrating the new year is without exception.

It has be a tradition of many that one could affect the luckthey would have in the coming year by what they did or ate on NewYear’s Day. For that reason, it has become common for folks tocelebrate the first few minutes of the new year in the company offriends and family and parties often last until all hours of themorning. It was once believed that the first visitor on New Year’sDay would bring either good luck or bad luck the rest of the year.That may be something to think about.

Traditional foods were also thought to bring luck. Many culturesbelieve that anything in the shape of a ring is good luck, becauseit symbolizes “coming full circle”, completing a year’s cycle. Forthat reason the Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year’s Daywill bring good fortune.

One of the most common traditions in the United States is thatof making New Year’s resolution. As a new year is getting started,many students have taken vows to change their behavior, life styleor even image.

From shedding those extra pounds that were surprisingly put onover Christmas break to quitting that life threatening habit ofsmoking, students are trying their best to keep these oaths theyhave taken upon themselves.

Junior Stephanie Fisher is one of the many people on campus andaround the world that made that special commitment to try to be ontime for class, appointments, and work.

“I’ve found that whenever I’m late for a class, I have to sit inthe front row, therefore I’m going to try to have better timemanagement” said Fisher.

For the first two weeks of the new year Fisher has kept her wordand has at least tried to be on time for all her engagements.

Another promising citizen of the Simpson community is MandiKost. She had lots to say about the new year and what she washoping to continue.

“I want to be more healthy and fit. I’m really trying to eatright and work out as much as I can. I also want to be moreresponsible about my money and school.”

Kost is probably a little different than most people, her NewYear’s resolution started on Dec. 26. This year was the first timethat she decided to make a New Year’s resolution.

These first two resolutions seem to be pretty realistic andsomewhat easy to grasp, but other resolutions may be a little moredifficult for some students across the nation.

“I want to try and not go out and party as much,” says LanceHarris. “I also want to try and study more.”

This resolution may be somewhat out there to some, but Harristhinks it will help his GPA and also help him become a moreresponsible adult