A puppy rolls on the Oval. Sam Cochran, a third-year in marketing, wants to rescue and raise stray animals he sees wandering around campus in 2014. Credit: Lantern file photo

A puppy rolls on the Oval. Sam Cochran, a third-year in marketing, wants to rescue and raise stray animals he sees wandering around campus in 2014.
Credit: Lantern file photo

For many Ohio State students, a new year means a new goal.

In 2014, resolutions to get fit and healthy are a popular goal for many students, but Heather Scott, a second-year in business, plans to work harder in school and get better grades than she did in 2013.

“With all the changes on campus … I think this year I’ll have more options of places to study and do my school work,” Scott said.

For others, volunteering is on the radar instead of a personal goal.

Sam Cochran, a third-year in marketing, wants to rescue and raise stray animals he sees wandering around campus.

Since he moved out of a multiple person house and into an apartment by himself, he said he would like the company of a pet to greet him when he comes home.

“If I rescue a cat or dog, I’d be helping them and I’d be satisfying myself with a pet so everyone would win,” Cochran said.

After failing to stick to his resolution last year, quitting smoking cigarettes, Cochran decided to make a new goal to help someone or something else other than himself.

According to “Forbes,” more than 40 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, but only 8 percent achieve them.

Fixing relationships and being more strict about their religion are on the agendas of some students for the upcoming year.

Meghan Helton, a second-year in education, plans to make an additional effort to stay in touch with her family members who live in another city.

After transferring from Ohio University before Fall Semester, Helton said she wants to be better at talking to her parents, who live in Cleveland, and staying close with them.

“For some reason, I really struggled with that while at OU, so it’s definitely at the top of my list this year,” Helton said. “Last year, I pretty much kept up with my goal of working out five days a week, so I’m confident in my goal for this year.”

Allie Dahlhausen, a Catholic and a third-year in psychology, is aiming to attend church every Sunday.

With multiple churches in close proximity to her house, Dahlhausen said she has many options of where to go.

According to a U.S. government website, losing weight, quitting smoking, volunteering more and managing debt are among the top New Year’s resolutions.