High Life / A WEEKLY FORUM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS : Facing the New Year With Lots of Resolve

Promises, promises.

At the beginning of every new year, we make pacts with ourselves. Maybe we decide to end an annoying habit, improve a relationship or situation, or simply try to become a better person.

Hot Topics wonders: “What’s your New Year’s resolution?”

“To run for President, make a million, grab a gal and stop lying.”

Sean Drury, 17,

senior, Huntington Beach

“To not spend so much money on my girlfriend.”

Justin Jones, 17,

senior, Estancia

“To go on a date.”

David Berryman, 16,

junior, Heritage

“To lose weight--you know, the kind of thing I decide to do every Monday.”

Sarah Brennan, 17,

senior, University

“To stand up for myself.”

Elaine Tanaka, 17,

senior, Dana Hills

“To build up my body to its greatest potential.”

Nathan Eakins, 15,

sophomore, Heritage

“To stop being so negative.”

Angela Bonilla, 18,

senior, Huntington Beach

“To be a lover, a fighter and a schoolboy.”

Kevin Lee, 19,

senior, Ocean View

“To cut back on studying.”

John Tang, 17,

senior, Estancia

“To start studying, now that it’s a little late.”

Julie Goda, 17,

senior, University

“To not make any more New Year’s resolutions.”

Brooke Ortiz, 16,

junior, Dana Hills

“To estrange my relatives.”

Jason Downer, 17,

senior, Huntington Beach

“To become a good cheerleader by the end of this year.”

Evie Lastra, 14,

freshman, Heritage

“To win the lottery and be able to buy my parents and my girlfriend’s family a million-dollar house.”

Scott Caringella, 17,

senior, Ocean View

“To be more dedicated to the important things, like people in my life.”

Azin Meshkinpour, 17,

senior, University

“To get good grades, to get a car on my birthday.”

Roman Kyshnir, 15,

sophomore, Dana Hills

“To live a healthy, drug-free and prosperous life.”

Damian Del Rio, 18,

senior, Ocean View

“To get my driver’s license.”

Rachelle Ricardo, 17,

senior, Dana Hills

“To live my life to its greatest potential, to fulfill all the goals I have in my life, and to satiate the needs of others.”

R.J. Drabek, 17,

senior, Heritage

“To stop sleep-walking.”

Jenny Ritenour, 17,

senior, Huntington Beach

“To try be a better person.”

Sean Deen, 14,

freshman, Estancia

“To be nice to my boyfriend and spend more time with him.”

Cindy Doan, 17,

senior, Ocean View

“To get into Notre Dame.”

Angie Luzio, 17,

senior, Huntington Beach

“To have a successful end to my senior year, athletically and socially.”

David Jacobson, 17,

senior, University

“To cut back on shopping.”

Jane Lane, 16,

junior, Estancia

“To make all the money I can.”

Chi Mai, 16,

junior, Heritage

“To cut back on TV.”

Rick Hunter, 15,

sophomore, Estancia

“To always do my best in everything I do. . . . Give my 100% effort.”

Jack Martin, 18,

senior, University

“To graduate.”

Ryan Harrison, 18,

senior, Dana Hills

“To be kinder to my family and make my outlook toward everything better.”

Lisa Nonemaker, 16,

junior, Ocean View

Next Week’s Hot Topic:

What would be a more appropriate nickname/mascot for your school than the one it now has? Why?

Hot Topic responses gathered by Dana Wilshin (Dana Hills), Sydney Truong (Estancia), John Doney (Heritage), Jane Wey (Huntington Beach), Felice Wu (Ocean View) and Kiley Coble (University).