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Now, a VOA
Special English holiday program.
January first.
The beginning of a new year. As far back in history as we can tell, people
have celebrated the start of a new year. Today, most people celebrate New
Year's Day on January first. People observe the New Year's holiday in many
different ways.
The idea of admitting mistakes and finishing the business of
the old year is found in many cultures. So is the idea of making New Year's
resolutions. A resolution is a promise to change or do something different in
the coming year.
Making New Year's resolutions is a common tradition. We talked to some people
in Washington, D.C. and Miami, Florida about their resolutions, hopes and
wishes.
"I'm Ashley Frascen. I'm from Canfield, Ohio and I'm twenty-four years
old. This year I hope to graduate with my Master's and be healthy and happy."
Ashley's friend, Charlotte Cicero from Rochester, New York, is also to
graduate this year. Her resolution went a step farther.
"I hope to graduate and find a job teaching somewhere."
Other people mix wishes small and large. Like Ryan Krysiak, a student at the
College of William and Mary, in Williamsburg, Viriginia.
"For the
New Year, I want the Eagles to go to the Superbowl and world peace."
Some resolutions are about helping others.
"I'm Elnie Goodman and I live in Washington, D.C. But I was born in
Haiti. In the summer I would like to lead a humanitarian
trip to Haiti."
In Miami, Florida, one man hopes a resolution from last year will go better:
"My name's Glenn Mitchell. I live in Miami. And personally I have a
resolution to do more artwork. And I had the same resolution last year and I
wasn't able to."
This next woman
wishes a little brain power for everybody.
"Hi, I'm
Peggy. I'm from Grafton, Wisconsin. I'm forty-eight years old. In the New Year,
I just hope things start to get right again. Everybody's happy, healthy and a
little bit smarter, so that things go well."
Ellen Wade is a
forty-two year old businesswoman and student in Waynesboro, Virginia. She said she hoped that
the new president could help lead the way to better relations among the
nations of the world.
But many people
we spoke to kept their resolutions very simple, like this boy.
"My name
is Noah Goodwin. I live in Arlington, Virginia. I'm twelve years old and I
resolve to get a girlfriend this year."
Our resolution
is to wish all of our listeners a happy, healthy and productive New Year. I'm
Mario Ritter for VOA Special English.
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