Dec 28, 2023 2 min read

Every year since I began writing this column (2005), I dedicate the week prior to the new year to messages from young people.

This year, some teens from our Common Ground Teen Center share their hopes for 2024:

My hope/resolution for 2024 is:

I want to fix my mom. Anonymous, 14

To advocate better for myself. Brycen, 17

To end world hunger and make the world a better place. Caleb, 13

I hope to get a job. Daniel, 15

To be a kinder person. Ele, 14

My resolution is the same as last year – be well and happy. Elizabeth, 17

Stay as healthy as possible, exercise and eat in healthy amounts. Isabella, 14

To get a college tour, get accepted into a good college. Isaiah, 17

Get more structured, graduate, have better grades, learn more languages, get a car, move in with my brother. Anonymous, 17

I just want to be happy. Jennifer, 17

That we stop being racist, sexist and world peace will come upon us. Kaiden, 15

Start working out, eating healthy, Lynzi, 17

Fall in love with myself, no one knows me better and it’s better for my health, Roz, 18

My resolution is to learn German and Albanian, Sarah, 15

To form more and better relationships with people and continue working on myself. I just want to get better for me and of course for others. Yanti, 16

I want my mom to have good luck. Anonymous, 13

Have a question? Send it to Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s email podmj@healthyteens.com.