Dec 31, 2025 3 min read

I love traditions. One of my favorites is collecting New Year’s Resolutions from teens! This is my 21st year asking this question.

First, a quick story. In the early 2000s, our Outreach ran a program called Ambassador for Respect over several years. Each district participated in an essay contest. The first year’s theme was “What is Respect?” I spoke to an assembly of fourth-graders, and one of the students asked me, “What’s an example of respect?” I asked the group. A fourth-grader said, “What if I drop my books in the hall? If people help me pick them up, that would be respect.” When I collected the fourth-graders’ essays, 102 of 130 children began their essay with, “If I drop my books in the hall and someone picks them up, that’s respect.”

Tonight, at our Common Ground Teen Center holiday party, it was déjà vu. The teens were writing their resolutions and one asked, “I can’t think of anything. What’s a good resolution?” A teen responded, “I’m going to put down to get good grades.” When I read their papers for this column, it was like those fourth-graders all over again, although not as extreme. Still, there are a lot of good grades resolutions here. I’m sure their teachers will be happy!

Here are their hopes and dreams in 2026!

Adelle, 16: I want to finish my crochet blanket.

Allison, 17: I hope to finish a story that is over 30,000 words. 70,000 plus would make me feel accomplished but it seems as of recent that I don’t have much time for my personal pursuits. This would also make my readers happy – that is, having something detailed and finished out to read may bring at least a small amount of joy to them. If they are happy, I am as well.

Alex, 13: I want to get good grades in 2026 – well, better grades.

Car’Liyah, 18: To work on my physical and mental health.

Colton, 14: To make straight A’s

Ele, 16: To learn to be myself more.

Haidyn, 14: I want to get a win in Fortnite.

Irre, 17: I want to get closer to my family.

Izzy, 16: I want to win Skills USA comps next year!

Jayden, 15: To have a more stable mental health.

Kaidon, 17: I want to get better grades.

Keaundre, 14: I want to be a nice person to my teachers.

Legend, 14: I want to be a legend.

Marsean, 13: To get to be a God on MK1.

Martell, 15: I want to be a good civilian and get good grades.

Moshe, 17: I want to improve myself physically and mentally, to be at peace with myself, and to be better at communication.

Sabella, 13: I want to get good grades and sleep/wake up well for school.

Tiona, 15: Money up and get good grades.

Yanti, 18: To prioritize and take better care of myself.

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