Write or Die Editor's Column: Make 2014 a better year

     2013 has been quite a difficult year. Bipartisanship and stubborn egos led to a debilitating shutdown, causing a furlough for thousands and a freeze for welfare programs in North Carolina. This summer, a weak prosecution team failed to bring Florida neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman to justice for the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, resulting in a not-so-surprising, not-guilty verdict. And more recently, the fragile emotions and quick temper of several Virginia State football players led to a full-out assault of Rams quarterback Rudy Johnson, costing Winston-Salem State a three-peat CIAA championship title and a shot at the NCAA Division II championship.

     With only one more week left in the semester, I know it seems like it will never end. Countless finals, papers and presentations are sitting on students' to-do lists. So, in honor of the difficult final stretch of this semester, let this editorial be that extra push to get you through. Here are four things to keep in mind as we approach 2014:

1.) Success may be closer than you think.

     As tempted as you are to quit, think about how far you have come. You have more than 13 years of education under your belt. You've made it this far, so why stop now?

2.) Be your own cheerleader.

     Let's be honest: Not everyone on this campus wants you to succeed and it gets worse once you leave WSSU. So why doubt yourself when you already have enough people waiting to see you fail? Be confident in your abilities.

3.) Be real with yourself.

     While I'm all for self-encouragement, there comes a point when you have to check yourself. Why be content with C's and D's? Yes, they aren't F's, but no one wants to invest in someone who is complacent with mediocrity. As the adage goes, "If you knew better, you would do better."

4.) Surround yourself with positive like-minds, especially during exam week.

     If your friends are trying to drag you out to yet another party and you know you have a research paper due at midnight, your best bet is to skip club night. Clubbing will not get you closer to graduation, The parties and turn-up sessions can wait until after you complete your work for the semester.

     With the beginning of a new year signifying turning over a new leaf, ask yourself what will you do to better yourself. No need to plan out the perfect New Year's Resolution.

     Whether your goal is to be a better student or to just make it to May (I know your pain, graduating seniors), the outcome of 2014 is in your hands. Start your year of greatness now.