Recent studies on New Year’s resolutions reveal that there is a 12 percent success rate among the general public and the goals they set for the New Year. However, some Nicholls students are putting this success rate to the test in 2009. Two Nicholls students, one a freshman and the other a senior, both have several goals of their own for the remainder of the school year. Not only do they demonstrate the diversity of the Nicholls student body, but also the change of ambitions over time and the optimism to succeed.

Aaron Rhodes, a physical therapy freshman from Bourg, had a few goals which he chose to share, the first few of which he compared to the ambitions he held last year at this time.

“Last year I was looking forward to getting out of high school,” Rhodes says. “This year, I’ll take my education day by day.”

Rhodes does not see any changes in his major of choice and plans to proceed at Nicholls with physical therapy.

“I plan on staying with my original major because I haven’t really found anything else that interests me,” Rhodes says.

Rhodes also discussed how his attitude about taking on his goals has changed since beginning his education at Nicholls.

“My goals are the same,” Rhodes says, “but now I go after them with more persistence and vigor.”

Rhodes has hopes of changing his place of residence within the coming year.

“I plan on getting out of the dorm as soon as possible because I can’t wait to get an apartment.”

Reggie Stall, a management senior from Houma, was the next student to share his objectives for the year. He plans to graduate at the end of the semester.

Stall first compared how his goals have changed from his previous semester at Nicholls.

“Last semester, I pretty much knew what classes I had to take,” Stall says, “My goal was to do as well as I could in those 12 hours. This semester is a little different. I’m starting new job opportunities.”

Stall currently works at Wal-Mart as an asset protection associate, working to stop shoplifting and fraud.

Some of Stall’s goals presently involve preparing for his desired career in management.

“I’m making a good name for myself,” Stall says. “When you don’t have to go looking for jobs and they come to you, it’s really awesome.”

Stall is contemplating the possibility of attending graduate school following his Nicholls graduation, depending on the state of the job market.

“The economy is hurting right now, but if I went to grad school, I’d hopefully be getting out right as its improving,” Stall says.

Both of these students seem to be on a steady track to the future, perhaps with more than just a 12% success rate.