As the clock ticks away on December 31st, people around the world eagerly await the stroke of midnight. The arrival of the New Year brings with it a sense of hope, renewed resolutions, and a chance to embark on new journeys. It is a time to bid farewell to the past and embrace the future with open arms. For many, it’s a time to reflect on the past 365 days and set resolutions for the future. But for students, the concept of New Year’s holds a unique significance. It signifies not only the beginning of a new year but also the start of a new semester or academic year. As a student, New Year’s is a time to reflect on and learn from the previous semester’s successes and challenges, while also setting goals and intentions for the upcoming year.
“Did I study hard enough? Did I do everything that I wanted to do?” are common questions that students often ask themselves this time of the year. As we are getting ready for the new year, EDIT asked Julia Andersson, a second year student at JU, to reflect on the year that has gone by.
“Describe your year of 2023”
– Studying, studying, studying
A description of which we all can recognize as a huge part of being a student. Julia also reflects on the other things she has done this past year:
“Did you do something exciting this year?”
– Yes I traveled a bit and ate a six course meal!
“What has been your favorite memory of 2023?”
– When I found out I got to travel to the city I wanted to go to for my study abroad.
Just like Julia, a lot of students have an exciting semester to look forward to. Most will be spending their semester on campus here in Jönköping, of which Wednesdays will be spent on AKKA as usual. Although, many students like Julia will be spending the next semester abroad in a completely different country, far away from home.
However, you might want to do something differently in 2024 after reflecting on the past year:
“Anything you want to do differently compared to last year?”
– To make many new memories and to remember to photograph them all, I’m terrible at remembering to take pictures.
We all feel differently about the new year. Some might be excited, and some might be less excited.
“How do you feel about 2024 approaching?”
– I’m very excited, hopeful and a bit scared. In Swedish we say “Skräckblandad förtjusning”.
As students, we can all agree that a new year is exciting, especially if you are looking forward to something really exciting. Whether it be attending a concert, traveling to a different country, meeting someone you have missed or even starting a new course at JU. For Julia, she is looking forward to studying abroad the most in 2024. Julia is not alone with this opinion, a lot of students are looking forward to their semester abroad as well, along with me myself. Although, a new year also comes with new uncertainties. It is natural for our thoughts to wander and ponder what lies ahead in the future. Even though the future is scary, it is also crucial to acknowledge the potential challenges and uncertainties that may await us. It is important to remember that a new year also means new opportunities, especially for us students that need a little bit more motivation at the start of the new semester.
Furthermore, Julia shares a great tip for students that would be helpful in the new year:
– The great ideas may come when you least expect it. Always remember to write them down, because you won’t remember them if you don’t. Even if you think you will, you won’t.
Now, let’s raise our glasses and celebrate the new year. To new beginnings and new opportunities that lie ahead!
“Happy New Year” wishes from the EDIT team!
Writer: Emma Rodén
