Resolved: Appreciate the New

1/10/2025

By Lauren L., Grade 11

Many people make New Year’s resolutions, but many of them don’t follow through. For my New Year's resolution, I want to overcome the difficulties I have faced. For instance, when I first arrived in Stanstead, it was completely different from the life I had previously lived; it was my first time living away from home. I often felt homesick and just wanted to pack my things and leave for a place that felt more comfortable and familiar.

Adapting to a new environment and sharing a space with new people was challenging, and, oh my goodness, the schoolwork was something I wasn’t used to because we never had homework at my old school. Since I now had homework, I struggled with time management. Being so far from home caused me to miss out on family celebrations such as birthdays, our traditional walking-out ceremony, and spending time with my friends during the goose break.

I approached homesickness by not dwelling on how I was away from home but instead spending time with my friends and engaging in activities we all enjoyed. I began to learn, and I'm still learning, that people have different life experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, and these differences can enrich relationships as you get to know others and understand their backgrounds.

Regarding schoolwork, I struggled to manage and grasp the topics in certain subjects. I received help from my friends and teachers, but change didn’t come overnight; I had to keep working to see progress.

Although I've missed out on some activities back home, I've come to learn new things here at Stanstead, such as the winter carnival and the activities we do as a house that build that sense of friendship, team and family.

It is from the relationships I have built and the lessons I have learned that I have come to appreciate the value in both places. My New Year resolution was, therefore, to stop focusing on the negatives and learn to appreciate what I have wherever I am. I encourage you to think the same.