Almost everyone makes New Year resolutions, and teachers are no exception.

“This year, my new year’s resolution is to be more patient toward my students and family,” Chinese teacher Janet Lu said.

In past years, Lu had taught Chinese II, so teaching Chinese I this year is very different since more students are freshman and come with no Chinese background. In addition, she is accustomed to having her pupils already familiar with the content, so teaching the beginning course is a bit tougher.

Like students, teachers also have their regrets. One problem Lu, like many other teachers, faces in her classes are students not listening to her instructions.

“I’ve been trying out different methods such as asking the students questions before they ask me or to ask students to repeat the instructions. Although my past resolutions have failed, I really hope I can succeed this time,” Lu said. “At the end of the school day, I reflect on my actions. When I get mad at my students or kids, I’ll think to myself ‘I shouldn’t have done or said that.’”

Lu is also hoping to get in a few extra hours of sleep in 2015.

“Another part of my resolution is to sleep earlier, [even] though it’s really hard for me. Every day, I make lesson plans, correct homework, or do housework after my kids go to bed around 9 p.m., and I end up sleeping no earlier than 12 a.m.,” Lu said.

Exercising more and getting in shape is one of the most popular New Year resolutions.

“My resolution is to exercise more and be in better shape. I want to have an overall better health,” math teacher Shari De Cambra said. “Ever since the year started, I’ve been waking up early to exercise on the elliptical trainer on the weekdays. On the weekends, I try to take walks. The last few years, I didn’t succeed with my resolutions but this year, I want it to succeed.”

Of course, there are times we don’t want to make any resolutions because they can be pretty hard to keep up after all.

“I don’t make any new year’s resolutions. If I want to start something, I’ll start it right away. I don’t wait for the upcoming year,” English teacher Lisa Pacheco said.