“New Year, New Me”
Post by Brittney Garcia
The phrase “new year, new me”, is probably one of the most overused phrases in the history of the english language. Every year, we set resolutions that last for about 20 days and then disappear along with what’s left of the year before. Let me use myself as an example. Every year, I tell myself that I will eat healthier and go to the gym more often — 5 slices of cheesecake later, I realize that it is not going to happen over night (and yes, I’m kidding. I only had 2 slices!).
If you actually want to follow through with the “healthier me” lifestyle, then NC State is the perfect place for you. However, if you have other resolutions such as “try something new everyday” or “do something I’ve never done before” then guess what? NC State is still the perfect place for you.
Healthier Choices
NC State provides so many resources to help people stay true to their resolutions. Here are some of the main ones:
Carmichael Gym
The fact that our gym has 18 racquetball courts makes it one of the coolest facilities, ever (okay, I don’t play racquetball, but they fact that they are there is awesome). Besides that, there is a climbing wall, a fencing room, dance studio and well, if I named everything available, it would be a very long list. There are pools and basketball courts too but for some reason the fencing room seems to be the best part (for me) about the gym. To make it easier, there are also group fitness classes that people can take. A schedule is posted for every semester with times and locations. So in a way, there is no excuse. Of course, I always find one or another but that’s another story.
Health and Nutrition
University Dining at NC State also offers resources to help students eat healthier. For example, if you are counting calories, all nutritional information is posted on the menu on the U Dining website. If you use “myfitnesspal”, the calories to the food served at the dining hall are easily accessible with the click on a button! Also, if you need to follow a specific diet (vegan, vegetarian, etc.) all options are also posted on the website.
For people like me that have a resolution to try something new and out of the ordinary, there are also many opportunities around Raleigh.
Museums
It is so important to explore and be open to what Raleigh offers. If one of your goals is to become more knowledgeable in art, there’s the Museum of Art right near the school. The Natural Science Museum (I’ve been here so many times, I’ve lost count is in downtown Raleigh and it is so close to the Marbles Kids Museum!
Outdoor Activities
Lake Johnson is one stop for many activities. The paved paths are great for walking/running (depending on how adventurous you are feeling) and there are also paths for bikes. There is canoeing, paddle boating and there are different classes offered throughout the year!
As you can see, the list of new things to try is endless. Personally, I want to go to more concerts this year. Besides the big venues, we have places like Lincoln Theatre and Cat’s Cradle that also bring in great artists throughout the year. I will be seeing Augustana in a few days and I am so excited!
Whatever goals you set for this new year, just remember to follow through! It is easy to lose sight of our goals at times but remember that following through usually pays off. And with that said….here is to a fantastic 2013!!
Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter: @NCSU_brittney!
