by Darian Eswine and Jill Moore
The new year is a time to make resolutions, to fix habits that people would not otherwise attempt to mend. All resolutions fit into categories, some more popular than others.
“Health, I would say is the most used topic for resolutions; losing weight is probably the most common,” said English teacher Leigh Prifogle.
Latin teacher Tim Harbison agreed. “People need to worry about their health a little bit more, not because they want to be skinny but because they want to be healthy.”
Although many people like Prifogle and sophomore Ryan Trusty agree that health is the most common subject for New Year resolutions, there are many other topics also involved with the goal setting tradition.
“I think that health, family, and school are three great topics for resolutions,” said junior Amber Schultz.
Choosing a subject of someone’s New Year’s resolution is a simple process fit to everyone’s current needs. Sophomore Ally Ford said it was making good grades due to her reflection of the previous semester’s grades. For others it’s more complicated and harder to achieve.
“My New Year’s resolution is a good one; it’s really good... mine is not to get any (traffic) tickets this year because I got six last year,” said Prifogle.
Resolutions like these fall into the category some call adult resolutions. Although some may not see the difference, freshman Chris Carpenter said he thinks there is a big distinction between the subjects of adults’ resolutions and the younger generation’s resolutions. “Kids’ resolutions are mainly about fun or maybe school, but adults’ resolutions are about a lot like hobbies, jobs, and like the economy and money,” said Carpenter.
The current times also affect New Year’s resolutions, according to Prifogle. “This year I think a lot more people are making resolutions about saving money and the economy, so that may be the top subject of resolutions this year just because of the circumstances.”
Another topic is relationships which by Ford is one of the best topics for the declarations of change. Friendship is a main part of life to teenagers and cultivating them is important.
“Making new friendships is a really good resolution for anyone because friends are important in everyone’s life, and no one can have too many,” said freshman Sydney Shelton.
So many subjects are involved in New Year’s resolutions and health seems to be one of the top subjects. No matter what the topic is, though, anxious people like Prifogle await changing times in hopes of making a better future.
“I hope I’m successful; so far so good in 2009!”
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Motivation essential in keeping New Year's resolutions
by Carmen Huff and Jasmine Meredith
The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions lives on in 2009. However, resolutions lose their effectiveness when it’s hard to stay motivated in the new year.
“I don’t make resolutions anymore because they have never worked in the past. You just don’t stay motivated all year, so you just give up. My resolutions only last about two months,” said guidance department secretary Carol Lockhart.
“We choose to become busy with other things, so we don’t keep our resolutions,” agreed counselor Kirk Hamsley.
Freshman Keegan Johnston claims that he doesn’t make resolutions anymore either, because he usually just forgets them so they only last a few weeks.
“People could always remind me of my resolution and that would help me remember it,” said Johnston .
“It’s a lot easier to keep a resolution if you share it with another person because they’ll help you keep it,” said assistant principal Rob Willman. “Like if you want to exercise more, and you meet other people at the gym to work out, then it’s easier to keep it. Then, if you don’t show up your friends will be like, ‘Where were you?’.”
Senior Katie Reed made the resolution to spend more time at home with her family.
“I feel like I don’t know my six-year-old brother because I am always out with my friends. My parents could help me with my resolution by grounding me, but I don’t really want them to do that.”
Freshman Jordan Marcum wants to start eating healthier for the new year as well as getting good grades.
“Half the time people generally don’t follow through with their resolutions. I am planning on eating healthier for the remainder of my life. It’s a whole lot easier if someone goes through it with you. You can build one another up so that you can obtain the resolution.”
Junior Mackenzie Oller gets her friends and parents to help her keep her resolutions. This year, she wants to stay organized so that “it will be a habit before college.”
English teacher Wallace Austin makes resolutions every year because “it is good to set goals” and generally has good success with them. He shares his secret to making resolutions be effective through the entire year.
“To make a resolution last longer, you want to take baby steps and try not to do it all at once.”
The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions lives on in 2009. However, resolutions lose their effectiveness when it’s hard to stay motivated in the new year.
“I don’t make resolutions anymore because they have never worked in the past. You just don’t stay motivated all year, so you just give up. My resolutions only last about two months,” said guidance department secretary Carol Lockhart.
“We choose to become busy with other things, so we don’t keep our resolutions,” agreed counselor Kirk Hamsley.
Freshman Keegan Johnston claims that he doesn’t make resolutions anymore either, because he usually just forgets them so they only last a few weeks.
“People could always remind me of my resolution and that would help me remember it,” said Johnston .
“It’s a lot easier to keep a resolution if you share it with another person because they’ll help you keep it,” said assistant principal Rob Willman. “Like if you want to exercise more, and you meet other people at the gym to work out, then it’s easier to keep it. Then, if you don’t show up your friends will be like, ‘Where were you?’.”
Senior Katie Reed made the resolution to spend more time at home with her family.
“I feel like I don’t know my six-year-old brother because I am always out with my friends. My parents could help me with my resolution by grounding me, but I don’t really want them to do that.”
Freshman Jordan Marcum wants to start eating healthier for the new year as well as getting good grades.
“Half the time people generally don’t follow through with their resolutions. I am planning on eating healthier for the remainder of my life. It’s a whole lot easier if someone goes through it with you. You can build one another up so that you can obtain the resolution.”
Junior Mackenzie Oller gets her friends and parents to help her keep her resolutions. This year, she wants to stay organized so that “it will be a habit before college.”
English teacher Wallace Austin makes resolutions every year because “it is good to set goals” and generally has good success with them. He shares his secret to making resolutions be effective through the entire year.
“To make a resolution last longer, you want to take baby steps and try not to do it all at once.”
Resolution tradition affects students, faculty differently
by Avery Walts and Kendra Mifflin
The noise makers rumble, and the Time Square ball drops as the clock chimes midnight. A new year begins as well as the tradition of setting resolutions to better ourselves.
FC students and staff are split between making a goal for the year or just letting it slide by. Those who did make resolutions range from religious views to physical fitness.
"My faith is important to my life, and my resolution will strengthen my daily faith," said math teacher Brian Kehrer.
Most students didn't embrace the annual ritual, explaining that they had no time, had forgotten about it, or they wouldn't stick with it.
Sophomore Chelsea Reidinger said,"I already have a pretty good lifestyle without having the added stress of a resolution."
Past experiences with resolutions play a key role in whether or not current goals will be kept up.
"Yes, I keep up my resolutions through motivation from my mom and my girlfriend," said senior Paul Daniel.
Sitting down and carefully planning a resolution may not always be the best method, and FC students don't intend on using it.
"I don't sit down and think about it. I just see what it takes for things to happen," said junior Katie Naville.
FC students and faculty take into consideration practicality, amount of time, and importance of priorities when choosing their resolutions.
The majority agreed with sophomore Amanda Millea when she said, "I take into consideration what I want to change about myself or things I want to improve."
Some think resolutions are a way to have a goal and feel accomplished when pursuing that goal. Others feel that it's a a waste of time or just something else to worry about. Either way, students and faculty have diverse opinions on the time old tradition.
The noise makers rumble, and the Time Square ball drops as the clock chimes midnight. A new year begins as well as the tradition of setting resolutions to better ourselves.
FC students and staff are split between making a goal for the year or just letting it slide by. Those who did make resolutions range from religious views to physical fitness.
"My faith is important to my life, and my resolution will strengthen my daily faith," said math teacher Brian Kehrer.
Most students didn't embrace the annual ritual, explaining that they had no time, had forgotten about it, or they wouldn't stick with it.
Sophomore Chelsea Reidinger said,"I already have a pretty good lifestyle without having the added stress of a resolution."
Past experiences with resolutions play a key role in whether or not current goals will be kept up.
"Yes, I keep up my resolutions through motivation from my mom and my girlfriend," said senior Paul Daniel.
Sitting down and carefully planning a resolution may not always be the best method, and FC students don't intend on using it.
"I don't sit down and think about it. I just see what it takes for things to happen," said junior Katie Naville.
FC students and faculty take into consideration practicality, amount of time, and importance of priorities when choosing their resolutions.
The majority agreed with sophomore Amanda Millea when she said, "I take into consideration what I want to change about myself or things I want to improve."
Some think resolutions are a way to have a goal and feel accomplished when pursuing that goal. Others feel that it's a a waste of time or just something else to worry about. Either way, students and faculty have diverse opinions on the time old tradition.
Teamwork found to foil resolution failures
by Jessica Foster and John J. Robert
As the year begins, old frustrations collide with pointless promises of new resolutions, only to be broken within the month. Yet there is a solution among us- find a buddy.
Senior Katie Button noted the difference between having a friend make a resolution with you and attempting to go solo. “When you’re alone, you have to motivate yourself, and it is tough because there is no one there pushing you; you have to push yourself.”
While Button didn’t make a personal resolution, others, such as juniors Sara Byrne and Taylor Exline, have put the “accountability partner” idea into effect. They have pledged to each other to attend the new YMCA three times a week. Unable to keep resolutions from previous years, Byrne believes that with the extra motivation from Exline, she will be able to follow through for the first time.
Radio/T.V. teacher Tim Dench is an old hat when it comes to making resolutions. Every January he sits down and writes out his goals for the year, checking up on himself at the six month mark to see how much he has accomplished. Dench’s New Year’s Resolutions for 2009 are both business oriented and personal. One of his personal goals is to “find a new football team; I realize the Cowboys aren’t going anywhere.”
Speaking of cowboys, junior Kaitlin Malone, a 17-year-old barrel-racer, wants to “focus on being more effective, efficient, and accurate.”
When it comes to training with her horse, Malone prefers to train alone rather than with a buddy. “When you have someone constantly critiquing you, it is very frustrating. I can motivate myself better than anyone else can.”
Along with Malone, junior Chase Rapp has made several resolutions for the new year that he must do alone. He is striving to save two-thousand dollars in order to take a trip to Norway and Germany next winter break. Rapp has a job at Jay-C Food Store, and plans to put half of each paycheck towards reaching his goal.
Although some goals must be completed by oneself, assistant principal Rob Willman and senior Chase Rost share the notion that having a buddy “absolutely helps” someone stick to a resolution.
While some struggle and fail, and others push to succeed, the majority believes in the effectiveness of the buddy system. Supporting and motivating, a buddy is there to make the other keep his or her end of the deal. “Most people drop their resolutions because they are inconvenient and time consuming,” said Exline, “but if you find a buddy and stick with it, it will pay off in the end.”
As the year begins, old frustrations collide with pointless promises of new resolutions, only to be broken within the month. Yet there is a solution among us- find a buddy.
Senior Katie Button noted the difference between having a friend make a resolution with you and attempting to go solo. “When you’re alone, you have to motivate yourself, and it is tough because there is no one there pushing you; you have to push yourself.”
While Button didn’t make a personal resolution, others, such as juniors Sara Byrne and Taylor Exline, have put the “accountability partner” idea into effect. They have pledged to each other to attend the new YMCA three times a week. Unable to keep resolutions from previous years, Byrne believes that with the extra motivation from Exline, she will be able to follow through for the first time.
Radio/T.V. teacher Tim Dench is an old hat when it comes to making resolutions. Every January he sits down and writes out his goals for the year, checking up on himself at the six month mark to see how much he has accomplished. Dench’s New Year’s Resolutions for 2009 are both business oriented and personal. One of his personal goals is to “find a new football team; I realize the Cowboys aren’t going anywhere.”
Speaking of cowboys, junior Kaitlin Malone, a 17-year-old barrel-racer, wants to “focus on being more effective, efficient, and accurate.”
When it comes to training with her horse, Malone prefers to train alone rather than with a buddy. “When you have someone constantly critiquing you, it is very frustrating. I can motivate myself better than anyone else can.”
Along with Malone, junior Chase Rapp has made several resolutions for the new year that he must do alone. He is striving to save two-thousand dollars in order to take a trip to Norway and Germany next winter break. Rapp has a job at Jay-C Food Store, and plans to put half of each paycheck towards reaching his goal.
Although some goals must be completed by oneself, assistant principal Rob Willman and senior Chase Rost share the notion that having a buddy “absolutely helps” someone stick to a resolution.
While some struggle and fail, and others push to succeed, the majority believes in the effectiveness of the buddy system. Supporting and motivating, a buddy is there to make the other keep his or her end of the deal. “Most people drop their resolutions because they are inconvenient and time consuming,” said Exline, “but if you find a buddy and stick with it, it will pay off in the end.”
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The Bottom Line
From the not-so-civilized heated debates to pins and shirts endorsing favorite candidates, FC students have not deemed this historical election unimportant. Yet in all the commotion, try to stand back and see the effects this election has on the student body.
Unfortunately, the election has divided FC as students take sides for their favorite candidate, and against their least favorite. Cliques have been formed among Republicans, Democrats, and even the excluded few who know nothing about the election.
Elections also have their positives, like encouraging students to watch the media. They give high-schoolers something to talk about other than the Jonas Brothers, and create a sense of unity within similar political parties.
Bottom line: Elections have their place. It’s fine to have beliefs and opinions, and to share them with others. It’s not alright to dismiss opposing ideas without listening to them first. Hear them out, you may learn something.
Kendra Mifflin, 10
Unfortunately, the election has divided FC as students take sides for their favorite candidate, and against their least favorite. Cliques have been formed among Republicans, Democrats, and even the excluded few who know nothing about the election.
Elections also have their positives, like encouraging students to watch the media. They give high-schoolers something to talk about other than the Jonas Brothers, and create a sense of unity within similar political parties.
Bottom line: Elections have their place. It’s fine to have beliefs and opinions, and to share them with others. It’s not alright to dismiss opposing ideas without listening to them first. Hear them out, you may learn something.
Kendra Mifflin, 10
Undecided
Undecided.
That’s what I decided I am. How do I choose? I like Arizona senator John McCain, he served his country. I like Illinois senator Barack Obama, he inspires people. But every time I watch the news they change.
I don’t know what they support anymore. Obama tries not to be too liberal and McCain tries not to be too conservative. The vice presidents don’t help my decision either. What do they want? No one probably cares. Sarah Palin had a child with down-syndrome. Obama’s vice hasn’t changed anything. Our interest shouldn’t be in what their pasts are. What are they going to do?
One of my friends is Republican, the other is Democratic. Some of my family is for Barack, the others are not. They talk to me like I can vote, but what difference do they make? I can’t vote. I can’t change anything.
Do I wish I could vote, would that make it easier? I doubt it. Do I have time to waste to figure it out? No! So what am I?
Undecided.
Jill Moore, 9
That’s what I decided I am. How do I choose? I like Arizona senator John McCain, he served his country. I like Illinois senator Barack Obama, he inspires people. But every time I watch the news they change.
I don’t know what they support anymore. Obama tries not to be too liberal and McCain tries not to be too conservative. The vice presidents don’t help my decision either. What do they want? No one probably cares. Sarah Palin had a child with down-syndrome. Obama’s vice hasn’t changed anything. Our interest shouldn’t be in what their pasts are. What are they going to do?
One of my friends is Republican, the other is Democratic. Some of my family is for Barack, the others are not. They talk to me like I can vote, but what difference do they make? I can’t vote. I can’t change anything.
Do I wish I could vote, would that make it easier? I doubt it. Do I have time to waste to figure it out? No! So what am I?
Undecided.
Jill Moore, 9
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Needing help, not a bill
On Tuesday night, Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama had their second of three debates. The most interesting statement by either of them came from Obama when he said that universal care is a right.
Currently, America ’s health care services are private. Obama wants to make it a mandate so that all people in America, rich or poor, are provided health insurance for them and their families, or able to purchase it without the worry of cost.
I believe that Obama is correct in his belief that universal health care is a right, not a privilege as McCain has mentioned. Thousands of people throughout the country are deprived of health care due to their family income, and are denied needed medical services. Universal health care will help the less fortunate get the care they deserve to be provided, while still protecting the private industries of current health care providers.
When people are sick, they need help, not a bill.
John Robert, 12
Currently, America ’s health care services are private. Obama wants to make it a mandate so that all people in America, rich or poor, are provided health insurance for them and their families, or able to purchase it without the worry of cost.
I believe that Obama is correct in his belief that universal health care is a right, not a privilege as McCain has mentioned. Thousands of people throughout the country are deprived of health care due to their family income, and are denied needed medical services. Universal health care will help the less fortunate get the care they deserve to be provided, while still protecting the private industries of current health care providers.
When people are sick, they need help, not a bill.
John Robert, 12
Healthcare is a right
Barack Obama, to me, really understands the struggles of everyday Americans. I truly believe that he will bring change to Washington, instead of the same ethics as the past eight years. He believes that everyone should be able to have affordable, reliable, universal healthcare. He gets that healthcare is breaking family budgets, and he's willing to work with the employer to lower premiums. Whereas John McCain believes that only some people should have affordable healthcare saying, "The Cadillac buying, hair piece wearing, wealthy Americans won't get a tax credit." If John McCain honestly cares about everyone's well being, than he would give affordable healthcare to all Americans.
When asked on the October 7th debate whether healthcare should be a responsibility or a right, Obama said it's a right. He believes that you shouldn't be penalized for having an illness you can't control, and then having the insurance agents refuse to cover your bills. McCain said it's a responsibilty, and that you should find a way to afford it.
Avery Walts, 10
When asked on the October 7th debate whether healthcare should be a responsibility or a right, Obama said it's a right. He believes that you shouldn't be penalized for having an illness you can't control, and then having the insurance agents refuse to cover your bills. McCain said it's a responsibilty, and that you should find a way to afford it.
Avery Walts, 10
A candidate we can trust
All throughout the presidential primaries I never had an opinion the candidates. The debate last Tuesday night gave me my opinion. Although Senator Barack Obama is a very eloquent speaker, seems very personal, and appeals to young people, his blatant avoidance of many questions was very troubling. If he isn’t being clear on things, then how are we supposed to be able to know that we can trust him. Senator John McCain actually answered the questions he was asked and was very clear. He isn’t a great speaker, he seems to have an odd posture, and he is older. His posture has a lot to do with when he was serving in the army and taken prisoner. During that, both his arms were broken and not correctly fixed. That combined with his age would give anyone a bad posture. His standings and beliefs also align almost exactly with mine, whereas Obama’s defy everything moral that I believe in. Obama may SEEM like a better candidate with his charm and appeal, but McCain is who we need and can trust.
Abigail Kost, 10
Abigail Kost, 10
Obama will bring change
Americans are jaded from seeing their country slaughtered due to the irrational policies of the Bush Administration. As president, Senator Barack Obama would bring America the change it needs. Senator John McCain, however, lacks the proper perspective to make the changes that are pivotal to the wellbeing of this country. Americans cannot expect someone who voted with President Bush 95% of the time to successfully remedy the problems Bush created.
McCain is constantly implying that he is better suited for the presidency because of his time in the military. Serving one's country is a noble thing to do. McCain's service proves that he is brave and loves his country. Those are important qualities in a presidential candidate, but serving in the military is only one way to attain them.
Megan Mosele, 10
McCain is constantly implying that he is better suited for the presidency because of his time in the military. Serving one's country is a noble thing to do. McCain's service proves that he is brave and loves his country. Those are important qualities in a presidential candidate, but serving in the military is only one way to attain them.
Megan Mosele, 10
Too old? Ridiculous
As of right now, I would vote for Illinois Senator John McCain for president. I believe he has the experience to lead this country. Senator Barak Obama has really only been in government for a short time and now wants to be president? McCain has been in it for years and has participated in the military. He knows what to do and how to get it done. He has made many plans to get our economy going again. He is opposed to war because he’s been there. I think he would have a great impact on America. Ruling the next several years with him would help tremendously. This whole ordeal about him being too old to be president is ridiculous. Age has nothing to do with it. I say if he can help our country and make it better, then he should be able to without age playing a factor.
Laura Hubrich, 10
Laura Hubrich, 10
Making change happen
I believe both candidates have good ideas, but I think John McCain would definitely be the best choice for President. He served in Washington and in the military for a long time, and he knows and will do what is in the best interest of our nation.
I strongly agree with McCain’s views on abortion, which I think is the most important issue. He supports abortion only during the case of rape or if the woman’s life is at risk, and he supports adoption as a first choice for women with unwanted pregnancies. I really don’t like that Obama voted twice to deny unborn babies that survive abortions the right to live.
I basically believe that McCain is more prepared and trustworthy than Obama. I think Obama will talk about changing America, but McCain will make it happen.
Sally Johnston, 9
I strongly agree with McCain’s views on abortion, which I think is the most important issue. He supports abortion only during the case of rape or if the woman’s life is at risk, and he supports adoption as a first choice for women with unwanted pregnancies. I really don’t like that Obama voted twice to deny unborn babies that survive abortions the right to live.
I basically believe that McCain is more prepared and trustworthy than Obama. I think Obama will talk about changing America, but McCain will make it happen.
Sally Johnston, 9
Support a depression or a revival
While the country is split on the issue of who should be our next president, there is one issue that everyone should agree on: our economy is spiraling downhill as we speak, and something needs to be done about it. According to a military policy analyst from Washington, D.C., the United States spends $12.3 billion a month on the Iraq-Afghanistan war. That’s $2.9 billion per week, $410 million per day, $17 million per hour. Although I’m no economical expert, it is quite obvious to see where our money is being siphoned away to. With that in mind, we look back to our contenders for the next leader of this country, and we see McCain in total support of the war, and Obama completely against it.
The answer seems apparent: support McCain, support a Depression; support Obama, support a revival.
Jessica Foster, 11
The answer seems apparent: support McCain, support a Depression; support Obama, support a revival.
Jessica Foster, 11
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