As a culture, we like to think that every year is a new opportunity to start fresh. Whether it’s trying to lose weight, quit smoking, or be better people overall, as soon as the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, 2011, we make a resolution to improve our future.

For this week’s “In Focus,” various Northern Star columnists will weigh in on this question: What is your New Year’s Resolution?

Aaron Brooks, columnist: Every year I have the same resolution: be a better person than last year. This resolution is not as easy to quantify as losing weight or smoking less, but that is what makes it great. I do not have the pressure to reach a target, and the sorrow from failure is relatively easy to avoid. All I do is live each day to the best of my abilities, and since my abilities are evermore improving, I feel my resolution is perfect for a goal-direct life.

Phil Case, columnist: My resolution for 2011 will be to stop my excessive procrastination. I know this is cliché, but 10-page research papers are not meant to be consistently written at the 11th hour, and late night cramming sessions rarely result in knowledge that outlasts the caffeine buzz. However, seeing as how this is my last chance to revel in my habitual poor time management, I will not actually commit to this resolution until approximately 11:59:59 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Also, I would like to cut back on irony.

Jessica Jenks, columnist: It’s really difficult to pick a New Year’s Resolution because it is impossible to improve perfection. I guess my New Year’s Resolution is to get filthy rich and famous. I will build a castle and let everyone I love live in it with me. It will be called Chateau Jenks. This will be achieved next year. It’s been written.

Portia Kerr-Newman, columnist: My New Year’s Resolution is to be more frugal with my money so I can move off-campus next year. At some point, I will form a work out regimen that I will actually stick to. I want to add more to my shoe and purse collection. I will join another organization on campus. I will plan for next semester to begin paying off my tuition early, instead of waiting until the last minute. I will plan on working on more worldly issues in my writing. I also want to learn how to perfect my poetry writing.

Kathryn Minniti, columnist: The new year is a new slate, new sheet of notebook paper, a new beginning to your life, and I want to take full advantage of that starting in the 2011 year. Everyday I want to be the best person I can be, whether it be putting 100 percent effort towards my school work or 100 percent towards my attitude, or anything in my life. I want to smile on days that I would usually sulk and I want to help every single person that crosses my path. I want to be more optimistic and not let little things ruin my day. I also want to stop drinking soda again and stop swearing.

Logan Short, columnist: Are you kidding me? You think I have a New Year’s resolution? Admitting I have one would be admitting something is wrong with me; something must be fixed. Well, you all can forget it. There is only one direction to go from perfection and that direction is down and I ain’t going! I’m a grade A baller. No limits; no shock collar. I got so many cars, clothes and women that you’d think I’m on nitrous oxide with how much I am grinnin’. Just kidding…I don’t rap nor do I think I’m perfect (just in case you struggle with sarcasm). My resolutions are personal. Plus, do you really care anyway? You have your own stuff to take care of. Just make sure you take care of it. Happy Holidays, my politically-correct public!

Taurean Small, columnist: My New Year’s Resolution is to be a better student. How cliché, huh? Ultimately, I am still a college student and my studies should be my top priority next year. If you agree with my resolution and would like to know how you too can become a better student, I recommend you develop a relationship with your professors next semester. No one will know the material better than your instructor.