Welcome to 2026 from The Navigator team! Don’t have any goals yet for the new year? Here’s some from our staff writers, editors, and designers to inspire you.

“I came into the fall semester feeling already burnt out from summer work. My goal is to focus on my mental health and effective study habits, and getting ahead this spring semester like I used to. So I guess my New Year's resolution is to treat myself nicer, and be more present. Do what I came here to do.” – Jenaya Shaw, Managing Editor.

“Get outside everyday, even just for a little bit. I used to do a lot of field work in my past jobs, so getting outside was never an issue. Now that I’m mostly doing remote work, the days can quickly slip by without me ever stepping a foot outside. Fresh air always makes me feel better, and I want to be better at getting that fresh air in my lungs daily!” – Mackenzie Beck, Art Director.

“Read my entire 90 page ‘To Be Read’ list. With a mix of science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, and romance, 2026 will be filled with a wide variety of stories. If you don’t already, follow my book account @anomalyconsulting to track my progress.” – Paige Vandop, Business and Marketing Manager.

“I went to Portland for a four-day long weekend during study days to see a few friends. Portland is home to the largest independently owned bookstore in the world. Powell’s City of Books takes up a whole residential block, and I found myself in heaven there. Rare books section, staff favorites, history, art, graphic novels, horror—you name it and Powell’s’ got it. After picking ahem a few books I stopped at We Need You Art Stop Messing Around and Make Something by Amie McNee, and this is my New Year goal. Not judging my art, not seeking approval, or trying to be someone else, just making it and letting my inner child be free and happy while playing with colors and textures,”– Alyona Latsinnik, Metro Editor.

“Buy a new car!” – Elke Sorensen, Associate Media Editor.

“Going into my last two semesters at VIU, I want to make the most of my time on the island. I’m not sure where post-grad will take me, therefore I want to soak up all of these moments in Nanaimo, continue to explore the island, pursue new opportunities, and take advantage of this time with my friends. Just a prairie girl living on island time!” – Grace Penner, Associate Editor

“Eat more greens,” – Liam Prendergast, Sports Videographer.

“Learn how to cook eggs in every form! My past New Year’s resolutions have always been identity-based and dramatic, like ‘I’m going to wake up at 5 a.m. every day,’ ‘No processed foods,’ ‘I’m going to be more confident,’ and none of them were ever sustainable long term. This year, I’m focusing on eating more whole foods, so becoming an egg connoisseur feels like a small, silly-goose, no-pressure goal that still supports my bigger intention. Plus, it gives me delicious eggs and a tucked-away brunch party trick: ‘Oh, this? It’s just my signature herb-infused cloud eggs with golden yolk nests.’” – Deanne Whenham, Features Editor.

“Prioritize physical health by going to the gym at least 3 times a week and eating more. Also get back to being more outgoing,” – Tebby Olatetse, Nav Reporter.

“Win!” – Daxton Comba, Videographer.

“Get back into night-time reading. I used to do this all the time before bed and it was great for my mental health! I haven't done it recently because I've been so busy that even reading feels like a chore. I need to relearn how to read for fun and enjoy it,” – Karen Fowlow, Web Designer.

“Expand my media experience. I’d like to try writing more articles and try new forms such as video or radio,” – Nadia Fontaine, Nav Reporter.

“After a busy fall term, I am hoping to prioritize reading for fun in the new year! It’s easy as an English major to get lost in dense texts, but for mental health reasons, I plan to make sure I read for enjoyment, not just studying,” – Taryn Pinder, Copy Editor.

With so many goals such as reading for fun or cooking eggs in every form, what are you hoping to accomplish in the new year? Tag us at @navigatorviu to let us know your New Year’s goal! Wishing everyone a happy New Year from The Navigator!