The ball was dropped and “Auld Lang Syne” was sung by many. That doesn’t necessarily mean that New Year’s resolutions are not on our minds. Every year, people make resolutions, intending to keep them, but fizzle on the promise days after.

Some Simpson students have made resolutions of their own, and intend to keep them. With freshmen, many of whom are out on their own for the first time, the resolutions bring a whole new meaning of commitment to the table.

Resolutions can vary from the boring to the quite unique. Freshman Susan Sandford decided upon hers after one of her fall semester classes.

“My resolution is to not eat ham,” said Sandford. “In a biology class I took last semester, I got to dissect and spend some time looking at the inside of a pig. Let’s just say it wasn’t very appealing to me to eat it anymore.”

Sandford said it hasn’t been hard to stick to because much of what she saw in biology class has stayed in her mind.

Year after year people resolve to improve their health and Simpson students are no exception. Freshman Teressa Weigel resolved to take a vitamin supplement every day.

“I’m a vegetarian, and I try to eat as healthy as I can, but I think with the lifestyle that I’ve chosen, a vitamin supplement will definitely help keep me healthy,” said Weigel. “So far I’ve been pretty good at taking the vitamins, and it’s something I hope to continue for a long time.”

Then there are the ever-popular resolutions based on schoolwork.

“My resolution for this year is to not procrastinate and do things when I get them right away,” said freshman Dan Carver.

But Carver also knows the difficulties that stand in the way of achieving his resolution.

“It’s really tough to stick to my resolution because there are so many other things that I’d rather be doing than studying. I plan on sticking to my resolution by doing homework during the day, that way the nights are free to do what I want.”

Resolutions can be made to better yourself, but sometimes, they might better others also.

“My resolutions are to keep my dorm room clean, and to try and smile more at people,” said freshman Jess Bowen. “I decided on these resolutions because it’s pretty frustrating when your room is messy and you can’t find anything.”

And with the help of others, she plans on keeping them.

“My roommate is pretty clean, so I’ll just have to have her yell at me more about keeping the room clean,” said Bowen. “With the smiling, it’s more of a conscientious thing that I have to keep in my mind.”