College Park's New Year's Resolution, Jasmine Eubanks

In 2003 Leadership Public School -- College Park opened its doors as a small school, but now it's 2009 and a lot has changed for example, we have a new principal and new rules and procedures. We are excited that we have survived previous years and teachers and administrators.

We welcome new years -- the opportunity to turn a new leaf and grow towards adulthood. But, 2009 is a tough year for us to adapt to. Many students feel as if "a lot is being thrown at us this year." I am confident that we will adjust to the new leadership and thrive academically. After all, we survived at least eight years of schooling thus far.

A new year to Briana Williams means “a new number, not so much a new beginning because you can’t start over something that is already done. That is impossible. It’s a fresher start to change and do better.”

Not all students welcome or thrive with change. Ninth grader Danielle Straughton explained that a new year to her means she is going to stop caring about what others say. She is going to be herself and not change a thing. This is what New Year's resolutions are all about -- improving ourselves and our lives.

Roxana Hurtado's New Year’s resolution with regards to school and her future is “to pass the Cahsee, so I won’t have to take it over again.” Her resolution is different than others', because she is a 10th grader, but the grade doesn’t always determine the resolution.

The students feel that the new administration, which took effect in late December had a New Year's resolution too -- which was to throw a bunch of new rules at us. We are not sure if these rules will help or hurt our school, but what we do know is that 2010 will give us a clearer view of 2009.