Happy New Year! Welcome back to the start of a new semester.More than likely, most of us made a New Year’s resolution to better our lives. For some, it may be losing the extra ten pounds gained from eating tamales over the Christmas holidays. For others (like me), it may be overcoming procrastination and actually getting work done this year .With the upcoming presidential election this year, one of our New Year’s resolutions should be to voice our opinion. It’s sad to think that more people vote for the next American Idol winner than they do for the next president of the United States. However, by casting one vote this year, you can make a difference and voice your opinion.Voting is often difficult because some candidates spout false promises while exclaiming, “Vote for me!”But don’t feel discouraged. One vote can and will make a difference in the presidential race.Some of you may want to vote but don’t know where to start. It can get confusing. Don’t make your pick for president based on who appears on television more or who has the flashier campaign. The best thing to do is look at the issues. Does a certain candidate discuss issues that are important to you and promise to resolve them? Are the points addressed by the individual relevant and important to you and the nation as a whole? Also, are the solutions and promises realistic, or is the candidate just trying to persuade you to his or her side?So many things should be considered and you might think, “So many things I don’t know.” But don’t feel overwhelmed. It’s easier than you think. Look at the issues that are important to you and think about them one at a time.For instance, if you work out at the gym, you don’t work out on each machine for two minutes and hope for results. No! You exercise diligently on each one and eventually see your patience pay off. The same applies here. So get out there and vote!
-Jennifer Torres