Dec 27, 2018 4 min read

Traditionally, my last column of the year is a chance for our teens to offer their New Year’s resolutions. This year my focus is our Adolescent Advisory Board. The board represents students from 10 different high schools and meets regularly at Washington Hospital. The board’s theme this year is Health and Well-Being.

Anastasia Allen: Actually start to exercise, save my money, study for tests, do things outside of my comfort zone, and eat healthier.

Bailey Batch: Focus more on school. Also try not to let the past hold me back from achieving greatness.

Jocelyn Bizzelle: To become closer with my family.

Mik Byczynski: To not let anyone make me question what I deserve.

LaShauna Carruthers: I don’t actually believe in resolutions, I believe in bettering myself, day by day, tomorrow or in eight years. I do plan to be a better role model. I also intend to save money for college as well as deepening my faith, not only in religion, but in myself as well.

Hannah Cheplic: Be positive in negative situations, graduate, meet new people in college, spend less time on my phone, create better study habits and dance more at the studio.

Hope Cohen: To make as much money as possible!

Ellie Cooper: Don’t spend money on useless things, meet new people, study harder, get ready for spring sports, and drop all fake friends while keeping the real ones.

Michael Cummings: Learn how to do laundry, learn how to do taxes, learn more code, learn not to smell candies in stores, pick a college, live in the moment, listen, and continue being positive.

Laci Deems: Become happier, become a better me, only keep positivity in my life, keep toxic people out of my life, forgive but don’t forget, and be healthier.

Bella Hess: I’m going to actually try to get all A’s, study for all my tests, and do all my homework. I’m going to try to be more responsible and not lose things. I’m going to eat healthier and not eat chips and chocolate … as much!

Katie Hess: Work on myself and be happy.

Baylee Hoffaker: I want to get my life together and become happy and healthy. I wish everyone the best. Thank you to everyone, and a huge thanks to the most amazing person – Mary Jo Podgurski.

Madison King: Stop spending money on stupid things, study harder, eat healthier, and stop being so mean.

Adam Kronawetter: To stop growing. My height is already aggressively high.

Alayah Marino: To get better grades, make more money, get a second job, be happy, and have a better year.

Faith Martin: Get a new job and make money for college.

Sara McCartney: To continue to keep my grades up and be more out of my comfort zone at school (For example, join more clubs or be a bigger part of the clubs I’m already in.)

Jahua Oakley: Lose weight, save money, love myself, do things to make myself feel good, and get into college.

Katie Reed: To NOT spend as much money, graduate, make new friends, eat healthier (LOL), be nice to not-so-nice people, and actually do schoolwork.

Camden Ritter: Apply to more colleges and be less lazy.

Nicolas Young: To be more thankful to the numerous wonderful people in my life. There are a ridiculous amount of incredible, thoughtful and amazing people I am blessed enough to have in my life, and I believe I should give them more appreciation.

I wish you a happy and healthy 2019!

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