As our calendars turn to a new year, many students at Lincoln-Way East are taking time to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. With 2026 underway, LWE students are focusing on self-improvement in areas such as academics, athletics, mental health, and collage preparation. From earning higher grades to finding better balance in their daily lives, students are using the new year as a fresh start and an opportunity to grow both inside and outside the classroom.
For many students’ athletes at Lincoln-Way East, the start of 2026 represents a renewed focus on athletic improvement and commitment. Junior Kobe Mosby says his biggest goal for the new year is to win the reginal championship this season, which is a goal that has motivated him to put in extra work both during and outside of scheduled practices. Mosby explained that he has begun going to the gym regularly, working on his shooting, and making the effort to arrive early and stay late at practice in order to perform at his best when it matters most. One specific skill he hopes to improve is his ball handling and shooting which would allow him to become a more versatile player with multiple scoring options during games. In addition to helping him on the court, staying active has had a positive impact on sports, it helps him stay focused in school and pushes him to strive to be the best in the classroom as well.
Sophomore Logan Dasbach said one of his main goals for 2026 is to start taking his future more seriously by focusing more in class and thinking about what he wants to do long term. He shared that he is interested in exploring colleges and careers related to buildings, engineering or creative fields because he enjoys hands on work that keeps him engaged. In order to strengthen his resume, Dashbach plans to stay involved in school, improve his grades, and look for opportunities such as clubs, volunteering, or getting a part-time job. He also offered advice to underclassmen, encouraging them not to wait until the last minute to think about their future and to try different activities while they still have time. Dasbach added that while it is important to take school seriously, students should not feel pressured to have everything figured out right away.
Sophomore Jaden Mulyadi said one of his main goals for 2026 is to improve his overall well-being by getting better sleep and taking breaks when he feels overwhelmed. He explained that making time to rest helps him stay focused, energized, and more prepared for both school and soccer. Mulyadi also shared that he wants to break the habit of procrastinating so he can manage his time more effectively and stay on top of his assignments. As a student athlete, Mulyadi said that staying motivated is important not only for his performance on the field, but also in the classroom. He added that thinking about his future encourages him to push himself to do better and stay disciplined with his goals. Mulyadi believes that finding a healthy balance between academics, sport, and avoiding burnout, allowing him to have a more successful and productive year.
As 2026 begins, students at Lincoln-Way East are setting meaningful goals that reflect both personal growth and future success. From improving academic habits and staying active in sports to prioritizing mental health and planning ahead for college and careers, students are showing a strong commitment to bettering themselves. These goals highlight the motivation and determination within the LWE student body. As the year continues, many students hope that their efforts will not only help them succeed in school, proving that a new year brings new opportunities for growth and achievement.
