As we step into a new year, it’s natural to look back on the previous year and reflect on the lessons we learned. However, it is also just as important to make goals for the year ahead; goals that challenge us and allow us room for growth. To capture this spirit of reflection and growth, a handful of students on campus were asked to share one or two lessons they had learned from 2025 as well as new goals they had for 2026. Their responses are listed below.
Something I learned in 2025 is to avoid procrastination, especially academically, and to complete tasks on time. I would say one of my goals for 2026 is definitely to grow more spiritually. Last year was an improvement, but I'm not where I want to be, so being on this campus, taking opportunities of the spiritual events and the environment itself, as well as just getting closer to Christ, is my goal.
— David Ochoa (freshman, engineering and mathematics)
The biggest lesson I learned in 2025 was that the nicest people can step on you and stab you in the back,so guard your boundaries. My goal for 2026 is to be unstoppable and to have my boundaries nice and strong, so I don't get hurt.
— Yuliya Hinckley (junior, business)
In 2025, I learned to trust the process, even if it seemed like it might not be possible. Don’t stress about something you can’t control, leave it to God, and he will find the right solution for you and bring amazing people into your life. My goal for 2026 is to end strong, without any regrets. I also want to ace all of my classes as well as try new things and new hobbies.
— Emily Funez (freshman, architecture)
Some lessons I learned from 2025 are to set expectations at a level where they can be exceeded, or else disappointment will be strong if they aren’t met, and that God always answers your prayers even if they aren’t revealed right away. Two goals I have for 2026 are to improve time management, especially with my architecture workload, and find a job that fits my schedule and is rewarding.
— Jonathan Kasper (junior, architecture)
One big lesson that I learned in 2025 was to prioritize myself first before anyone else. Do what makes you happy. Enjoy your life, and acknowledge that some things that happen are out of our control, and that's okay. Knowing and internalizing that truly encourages peace of mind and inspires me to be the best version of myself. A goal I have for 2026 is to take as many opportunities given to me as I can! I plan to no longer stop myself from taking a chance at something simply because "I can't do it." I've thought of solo-traveling this year. Find peace in solitude – don't wait for anyone to do anything for you when you can just do it yourself! I'd also like to spend time and help out the communities around me, as well as becoming my creative, artistic self again.
— Hayley Rawls (sophomore, speech pathology)
Even though 2025 is behind us, there are many lessons we can hold onto as we continue forward into 2026. Stop and take a moment to think about your past year. What can you learn from it that will benefit you now?
Now that 2026 has just begun, consider setting goals for yourself, whether academic, personal or extracurricular. Growth looks different for everyone, but taking time to reflect and plan can help make this year meaningful. As we continue into the new year, the lessons of the past and the goals ahead can serve as a guide for what’s to come.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.