A new year, a new semester, a new start
I’ve always found that it’s easiest to reflect and be contemplative when faced with a threshold, or a noticeable passage between two stages in life. In my opinion, one of the greatest thresholds is the beginning of a new year.
Think about it: the first of January is touted as a fresh start, a marker to make resolutions and life changes, or at the very least a day where some people definitely start off with a blank mental slate from partying the night before.
I don’t believe in resolutions and I’m not much for wild parties but I still like to use New Year’s and the start of a new semester as a way to keep track of time and think about what has changed in my life.
Earlier this semester, I wrote some columns about staying motivated and keeping yourself on track. At the time, I was honestly baffled that I had managed to stay so far ahead. Unfortunately, my head start didn’t last, and I’ve been scrambling to finish up finals like I’m sure so many of you are. Although I just denounced New Year’s resolutions, I’m definitely looking forward to the start of spring semester and a chance at a do-over!
Just like my motivation came and went, so did countless other things this year. I’m no stranger to getting all weird and introspective but I always thoroughly enjoy having a good place to stop and reflect on a stage in life.
That being said, I’m definitely not the only one who has undergone some changes this year. Since I’ve taken over as editor-in-chief of “The Bengal,” our staff has made significant changes in almost every aspect of the newspaper.
Along with revamping our website (www.isubengal.com), our wonderful Production Editor Wayne Turner made significant changes to the appearance of our newspaper, changing the masthead and offering countless of suggestions for ways to improve our layout.
Every single one of our writers, editors, distribution team members and more have continued to impress me this semester, and I’m excited to have a fresh start with all of them. We certainly won’t be resting on our laurels; I expect to keep climbing and pushing “The Bengal” to be the ideal student newspaper for Idaho State University students.
For those of you who have stuck with us throughout the semester (or maybe this is your first time reading “The Bengal”) or given the newspaper a chance, I can’t thank you enough. I hope you’ll keep our publication a part of your life and routine as the New Year and new semester get underway.
I would love readers’ suggestions and opinions for the upcoming semester’s worth of issues. If there’s an article you’d like to see, an issue you care about or even a place on campus that would make it easier for you to pick up “The Bengal,” feel free to contact us at ude.usinull@feihcgb, on our website or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/isubengal.
Just like the rest of the student body, we’ll be taking a break for the holidays. Watch for our next issue to come out Wednesday, Jan. 23.
On behalf of “The Bengal,” I hope everyone enjoys a relaxing break and takes a few minutes to think about where they’ve been and where they would like to go.
