With 2024 coming to an end and the start of 2025 unraveling, many people seek out the opportunity to create and accomplish new goals for the new year. As the students at Bronx River return and prepare for the spring semester, some peers share their aspirations for the new year and things they’re excited about.
Mileny Guerrero, a senior, strives to focus on her relationships with family as well as build on her faith. Some things she does to achieve these goals include “praying every morning and night” while she also adds that she wants to “start reading the bible and really learn its meaning.’’ She also shares that before leaving for college, she’d like to build an even stronger bond with her family. “When I leave, I won’t be as upset and I know I’ll have them by my side,” she said. Overall, she feels it’s going to be a good year, and is excited for what’s to come in the future.
Jeanney Rodriguez hopes to make the honor roll in her junior year, while also building her career in lacrosse and maintaining healthy relationships with peers. One way she shared that she can work on all these goals is by focusing on herself. “I’m gonna put myself first. I’m gonna focus on me rather than things that have nothing to do with me,” she said. She adds that growing and improving as a person is also important to bettering herself, and that by working on that she can “get to the finish line” that she wished to reach. One thing that she is most excited about for 2025 is the start of lacrosse season in the spring, which she hopes is one that goes well.
Mia Lappe, a sophomore, is also excited for the new year. She comments that some of her goals include maintaining her grades and getting a job. She said, “ I will continue to participate in class, ask questions whenever I’m confused, and lastly, study for my tests.” One thing she is anticipating this year is getting her working papers and seeking out a job. “I’m excited for the new year…my goal is to work hard at school and maybe even try to open a bank account.”
Daniel Butler, the school’s 12th grade English teacher, has a language goal to learn how to speak Portuguese. Since his wife and relatives know the language, he wants to be able to understand them and speak back. “I wouldn’t want to miss any jokes at the table,’’ he said. One way he can learn the language is by using duolingo, a popular app for aspiring language learners. On a lighter note, he also shares that “I want to comb my hair.” Overall, he wants to keep a fresh outlook on the new year, and take everything as it comes to him.
Angelina Cuevas sets her sights on attending the gym more and working on her skills for wrestling. She hopes to improve her mind and body by the end of the New Year. In order to accomplish these goals, she plans on getting a membership at her local gym and coming on time for her wrestling practices. As for how she plans to improve her mental health, she said, “I will try to stay off of my phone and try to go outside more.” Although Angelina stopped caring for the new year she hopes to become a better person and learn to accept whatever comes her way.
Evelyn Mendez, the 10th grade English teacher, has a main goal to spend more time with her family. In addition to this ,she would also like to focus more on her health and even start vacationing more. “The itch [for vacation] is coming back…” she says. Between being a mother, daughter and teacher, she shares that her responsibilities “eat up a lot of my day”. Her method to achieving these goals is to improve on her time management and learn to prioritize things of importance. She has high hopes for the new year, and is actually excited about her trip to Florida with her family some time this year as well.
Adam Schwenfeier, the ninth grade algebra teacher, faces the challenge of including meals and sleep into his regular day. For the new year he hopes to increase his sleep and eat healthier since being a teacher takes up most of his time. “I’ll make myself lunch everyday and meal prep,” he says. He also adds, “I’ll limit my screen time.” He shares that he is looking forward to the new year since he is helping to plan a wedding .
