It’s now February. New Year's was a whole month ago. But the semester has only just begun, so I don’t think it’s too late to make some UMass-related resolutions. These resolutions are goals I hope to accomplish over the next few months while I’m on campus, and they all have something to do with the classes and resources at UMass. Here goes.

My first resolution is to start going to the rec center more and to take a class there. My friend is in a spin class and says it’s a ton of fun and a great way to get your cardio done. Some other friends take a hip-hop cardio class that gets them on their feet and out of breath. Classes meet weekly, and there are tons of options. There are classes that can fit every schedule.

My next resolution is to become involved in a research lab on campus. The UMass College of Natural Sciences has a ton of different resources and ways to get involved in laboratories on its website. There are a few fields of lab work in the natural sciences, including biology, microbiology, chemistry, and brain sciences. Since I’m a neuroscience major, I reached out to labs in the brain sciences and received a position as a research assistant that I’m extremely excited about. I can’t wait to tell you more about it.

One last resolution for the semester is to explore Amherst and the surrounding towns a bit more. I've been to places like Hampshire Mall and Amherst center many times and want to try going to new places. I want to try going around Northampton and perhaps take a visit to Holyoke Mall. I’m only going to be in western Massachusetts for a few years while I attend college, and want to take full advantage while I’m here.

Those are my resolutions. I’ll let you guys know how successful I am following them.