Embracing a new year of possibilities

“Five, four, three, two, one!” And so a new year begins. As you toast that partner next to you and remember your newly declared resolutions be sure to acknowledge just what the New Year means to you.

Perhaps it’s easy to dismiss the idea that although Jan. 1 marks the beginning of a new year, it also highlights the middle of a chapter we have already begun: a school year, occupation, or a yearning for summer. Therefore, that’s the one thing the new year always offers: a median in which we reflect upon the past before we move onward into the future.

As a high school senior, reflecting upon my years in the Hewlett-Woodmere community is somewhat difficult. It’s incredible to imagine myself venturing off from a place which I’ve become accustomed to, a place that has become ingrained in me. Therefore, my New Year’s resolution is to take with me all that I have learned from my family, friends, and the neighborhood and resonate those lessons to my new community in college. I’m grateful for the memories and experiences that this past year has provided me. I learned to drive. I endured Hurricane Sandy. I gained invaluable exposure to writing and reporting. I performed at the famous Carnegie Hall. I survived the college application process and received acceptances.

With such accomplishments comes a bittersweet end. It’s the sudden epiphany that this year, my other resolution is to accept the fact that I’m maturing and I’m suddenly entering the “real world.” Thus, as I say farewell to all that 2013 has taught me, I welcome with open arms the new opportunities that 2014 will introduce.

Perhaps that’s the reason New Year’s Day is so praised. It’s the 24 hours in which we realize that we will never know what events are to come in the new year; we understand that life is unpredictable and uncertain. Such a concept epitomizes what keeps us coming back for more. It proves that such ambiguity is what allows us to have resolutions and dreams. Moreover, it reminds us that in 365 days, not only will we be reflecting upon our resolutions but also we will once again ponder just what the next 12 months have in store.

The New Year prompts us to remember all that we have forgotten each “normal” day throughout the year. It reminds us of the multitude of possibilities life has to offer. It emphasizes the idea that we’re all surging forward toward our aspirations. As my Pop-Pop (grandfather) always says, may the happiest memories of yesterday be the saddest moments of tomorrow. And so I wish that your 2014 is full of unforgettable first time adventures and just as many thoughtful last time endeavors.