By Allie H., myclubmylife.com Teen Reporter and member of 2011-'12 Keystone National Conference Teen Steering Committee

With each New Year comes a whole list of resolutions. Everyone has their list -- some to stop eating candy, some to read a book a week and some to break a bad habit.

But no matter what’s on your list each year the truth is that most resolutions aren’t kept. So this year, instead of choosing an unlikely resolution, choose to make a change. Pick a resolution that will stick by selecting one that will effect positive change on the rest of your life!

• Graduation: Recommit yourself to your schoolwork to ensure that you can reach graduation and on time. Your diploma is the first step towards opening doors for your future! Whether you want to move on to higher education or get a job, graduating high school is the best way to get started.
• College: Take the initiative to brighten your own future by continuing your education. This new year, resolve to research schools that are right for you or even to apply to college. A college degree will allow you to broaden your qualifications and gain more experience, so that you will have a greater number of opportunities after school.
• Career: If you haven’t already, give thought to what jobs you may want to pursue. What do you enjoy doing now? Can you make a career out of it? Look into it! If you can, think about volunteering or interning at a job so you can gain experience and build your résumé.
• Keystone: Take this opportunity to rededicate yourself to the Movement and to bettering your community. One way to get involved and make a difference is to participate in the upcoming MLK Day of Service on Jan. 16, 2012.  By hosting an event or participating in an activity on this day at your Club, you will be honoring MLK’s initiative, strength, and perseverance to take on the nation’s social issues and continuing his legacy.

Above all, the most important part of ensuring that you follow through with your New Year’s resolutions is to get others involved. Ask your parents, teachers, guidance counselors, Club staff, and advisors for help and advice! They will be sure to get you on the right track.

Choose a resolution that will have a lasting impact on your life and have a GREAT New Year!

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Yawa's New Year's Resolutions!

By Yawa A., myclubmylife.com Teen Reporter, Manchvegas Keystone Club (N.H.)

Wow, it's already the end of 2011? This year went by mighty fast! However, we made a big impact throughout the year. The power of teens across the world has been making headlines!

But it's time to look forward to 2012 and new year, a new beginning and new responsibilities. This means making the right choices for a better future. To kick off the new year, I’m looking forward with the following resolutions:

• A great way to better ourselves, push forward and cope with trying situations is to take things we learn from Club programs like SMART Girls and apply them. It is a great way to stay on top of things and avoid things like teen pregnancy that can derail your dreams!
• Many of us will be graduating from high school and/or getting serious about what we want to do later on in life. Challenges may come but we must remember that education is the key to the future and without it many things will go wrong! No matter what you’re going through you must remember that dropping out of school isn’t an option. Make graduation a goal!
• Great programs like Money Matters will teach you the value of a dollar and help you save money since the economy is in bad shape right now and many people are losing their job! Plan now for a Great Future!
• Last but not least is remembering to give back to your community and showing others that you care. Always lend a helping hand and give a little bit of your time to others, create a chain reaction and most importantly, be a role model.

Have a great 2012!