In the Loop Newsletter
Jan 8, 2025
Dear Huskies,
Happy New Year and welcome back! We hope your holiday season was filled with joy, relaxation and memorable moments. We would love to hear about your adventures and how you spent your time.
People often reflect and set goals for the months ahead at the beginning of a year. A common tradition at this time is crafting a New Year’s resolution — setting personal goals that focus on self-improvement that are motivated by the fresh start of a new year. Whether you are looking to excel academically, or to develop a new life skill such as learning how to drive or practicing meal-prepping regularly (check out the meal prepping guide and other resources from the WholeU), having clear and actionable plans can keep you motivated.
To help set meaningful resolutions, we encourage you to consider the S.M.A.R.T. goal framework. S.M.A.R.T stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-based — key elements that make your goals more attainable and actionable. Remember, setting a goal is just the beginning. Keeping track of your progress and adjusting as needed will help you stay on course. The following are some popular project management and planning tools that can keep you organized. This is not an exhaustive list. If you have any suggestions, please let us know!
- A weekly or monthly planner: If you prefer a classic and tangible way to organize your schedule, a planner can help you visualize your weeks and mark important dates. You can find them at the University bookstore or any local book retailers.
- Notion: For those who prefer digital organization, Notion is a free and highly versatile application that allows you to plan and track everything from coursework to big purchases. It offers ready-to-use templates tailored to various needs, which you can browse within the app or download online.
- Trello or Asana: Ideal for project management, these platforms help you break larger goals into smaller tasks and deadlines. Both tools are user-friendly and offer free versions to help you stay organized.
If you are looking for more guidance and a community to create meaningful changes that sticks, the Dare to Do program organized by the WholeU runs from Jan. 13 (Monday) to Feb. 21 (Friday) in the winter quarter. It is designed to help you thrive in areas including fitness, nutrition, connection, mental health and more. Learn more and register at the WholeU event page.
As we set the tone for the new year, let’s also think about ways to contribute to the greater good. Martin Luther King Day falls on Jan. 20 this year. This is a day that honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, a leader in the American civil rights movement who dedicated his life to justice, equity and community services. As international students, there are many ways to honor Dr. King’s legacy. The United Way of King County has compiled a list of MLK day volunteering activities. There are also year-round projects that you can sign up for. You can also attend lectures or discussions focused on civil rights and social justice or take the time to educate yourself about the roles Dr. King and many others played in advancing justice. Acts of kindness, however small, can have a rippling effect in fostering inclusivity around campus and society at large.
Now that classes are in session, please make sure to meet you enrollment requirements as specified by ISS.
In 2024, CIRCLE supported record number of students and organized many memorable events. Check out our annual report to learn more about what CIRCLE has achieved. In the year 2025, CIRCLE will continue to advocate, engage, and support you at UW. Feel free to visit us in 250 Schmitz Hall every Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm for office hours. Drop in and talk to a friend!