As part of IB curriculum at Kanakia International School – IB, Chembur, we encouraged our higher grade learners to explore their emotions and thinking process by penning their goals, aspirations, and resolutions for the new year in a short & sweet blog post. Mentioned below are a few of the most unique entry by our MYP Learners.
Ever heard of the saying “Be messy and complicated and afraid and show up anyway”? I didn’t until this year, thinking, “Why do people celebrate the new year? It’s just a change in the calendar. What makes it different from all the other years? The answer isn’t really about the date itself, but in the choices we make. Just buying and saying “Happy New Year” at 12 o’clock reminds us that while time moves forward automatically, our future is shaped by our actions. Each decision we make, each habit we build, and each effort we exert allows us to shape our own fate and create meaningful new beginnings. But why don’t we realise this sooner? Often, we get caught up in our daily routine instead of taking a minute to pause and reflect. There are only 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, and 8760 hours in 2026, and no more for 2027. If you think about it, that’s not a lot of time to waste. Realising how limited time truly is has inspired me to rethink my priorities. This year, I aim to use my time more wisely and with greater purpose. Instead of procrastinating, I want to be more mindful of how I spend my time, especially when engaging in activities I enjoy, such as listening to music, singing, learning the guitar, and exploring sheet music. While I look forward to pursuing what I love, I remain open to stepping out of my comfort zone and continuing to grow. I know this change will not be easy, as stepping away from old habits takes effort and patience.
However, I believe that consistency, even in small actions, can lead to meaningful improvement over time. In addition to managing my time better, I want to become more confident in taking initiative. This year, I aim to speak up more, whether it’s asking and answering questions to educators without hesitation, no matter how wrong it can be, and make the most of learning opportunities.
The New Year inspires hope and a sense of possibility, reminding us that every day offers a chance to start fresh. It encourages us to embrace challenges, explore new opportunities, and approach life with curiosity and courage. By being willing to take small steps, learn from experiences, and remain open minded, we can transform ordinary moments into meaningful growth. Ultimately, a new beginning is not something that happens on a specific date—it is created through intention, effort, and the willingness to keep moving forward, no matter the uncertainties ahead.
-Yoana
For me, a new beginning does not always mean starting something completely new. Sometimes it means getting better at the things I already enjoy. I play the keyboard and am currently working on my Grade 3 Trinity exams. Practicing music requires patience and focus, and the New Year encourages me to continue improving even when it feels challenging. I also practice Bharatanatyam and have been learning it for six years. Through dance, I have learned discipline, confidence, and the joy of expressing emotions through movement. The New Year reminds me to keep growing in these areas while also appreciating the journey.
I also love doing art, building with Legos, and singing. Being part of our school choir, Beatz Crew, led by our music facilitator, has taught me teamwork, creativity, and the excitement of performing with others. The New Year inspires me to spend more time on these hobbies and explore them in new ways, whether it is learning a new song, creating a bigger art project, or building a more challenging Lego model. These small efforts add up and help me enjoy my passions even more.
As we step into the New Year, I want to remember that change starts with me. Whether it is in school, music, dance, or hobbies, my attitude and effort will shape the year. A new beginning is not about being perfect, but about learning, enjoying the process, and trying my best. With determination, practice, and positivity, this year can truly be a fresh start full of growth, creativity, and joy.
-Aabha
A new year feels like a fresh start. It gives us the chance to leave behind our mistakes and begin again with new goals and a positive mindset. For me, 2026 is not just a new number on the calendar, but an opportunity to improve myself. Last year taught me many lessons. I learned that staying consistent is more important than being perfect. Even small efforts every day can lead to big results. There were challenges, but they helped me understand how to grow stronger and more confident.
This year, I want to focus on better time management, staying organized, and being more responsible with my work. I also want to take care of my mental and physical health by balancing studies with rest and activities I enjoy.
A new beginning also means learning from mistakes and becoming kinder to others. I want to support my classmates, stay positive, and contribute to a better school environment.
In conclusion, the New Year is a chance to restart, improve, and move forward with hope. With the right attitude and effort, 2026 can be a year of growth and success.
-Garvit
365 Days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 Minutes can define the duration of a year. 2026 is no exception. This is plenty of time for not just transforming one’s self, but enough time to chase most of our wildest dreams and imaginations bringing it into a reality.
For me, 2025 was a year filled with a plethora of emotions and experiences. It ranged from acting for the annual Musical-Mamma Mia in February to eventually actively taking part in a special IB Program in May to lastly winning not one but two podium based awards at the Yale Model United Nations South Asia 2025.
It was in 2025 where I discovered my passion for STEM Research and Development specifically based on Computers, Physics and Chemistry. In 2025, I was able to achieve the perfect balance between academics and extracurriculars however my health couldn’t be focused upon to the extent which I desired. Therefore, a major aspect I want to incorporate smoothly into my life is taking care of my health more than the last few years. Aside from the above, my main goals in 2026 would be to learn either Python or C++ up to an intermediate level. I also wish to conduct self initiated research projects in the coming months while being an active member of the school’s community service club, The Interact Club. This would be in addition to the past volunteering I did in 2025 to benefit the community!
Overall, I believe that through tested productivity methods and the development of my time management skills, I can overcome the hurdles faced in 2025 and smoothly work towards my goals in 2026. Thank you for reading and wishing you a great day and a great 2026!
-Siddhhant
Hi, my name is Shoaib, and I am 13 years old. I study at Kanakia International School, Chembur. The year 2026 is a bright and exciting one for me because it is filled with dreams, goals, and determination to succeed, especially in sports.
I am a passionate football player, and most of my future goals and achievements are connected to athletics. Football is not just a game for me; it is my passion and my motivation. I dream of winning a major trophy for my club, Dispasar FC, at the district-level Division 1 tournament. With our current team strength, discipline, and dedication, I truly believe that we have the potential to achieve this goal. I am committed to training harder every day, improving my skills, and supporting my teammates to make this dream a reality.
-Shoaib
This year I want to be productive in what I do like in my notes. Using a bit of colour instead of just using a black or blue pen, using colours boosts creativity and color coding notes improves visual links making it an easy and a colourful way to write.
In my free time I search for apps that improve creativity and thinking skills, from drawing apps to Duolingo to the apps people on YouTube talk about, it honestly helped me improve little by little and step by step. I wake up in the morning 1 or 2 hours before leaving the house, I say positive affirmations before I go about my day, eat a nice but short breakfast and on my way to school. Reach school and that’s where the rest of the starts saying positive affirmations doesn’t only keep you happy and positive but also helps you stay strong even though there are people who do try to mess with your mood or try to ruin your day. Being true to yourself and saying what you are keeps those negative talks about you away, further outside your bubble.
-Blessing
This year, I want to focus on becoming more confident and clarifying doubts. Also, practicing regularly by understanding the concepts. This will enhance my critical thinking skills. Goals like being more disciplined and responsible for your own things can also help gain overall confidence, by being physically strong and mentally positive. Other than academic goals, even small goals like being positive, independent and drinking more water can improve your life. Everyone is worthy of a fresh new start, like opening a fresh notebook, waiting to be filled with awesome resolutions, goals and moments, as each step matters . Last year, I lacked time management skills, and a few times did submit projects or homework with little delay . But, this year I am determined to enhance my skills, not only time management skills but also research skills and more . Also, being more independent, like during school for taking responsibility for my work and at home with small chores like arranging books, stationaries and clothes. Try to work harder each day, but not tire yourself out, as its progress, not perfection. With each step, you will see yourself reach your goals,enhance skills and take responsibility, slowly reaching your full potential, including new beginnings, that is spreading positivity to others, and being positive. Not only just focus on your goals and resolutions, but also how you want to be different. For example, from being shy, aim to become more confident. At last, a new year is being able to learn new things, and letting go of old things that make u not grow, like negative thoughts and fear etc. A new year is not required to be perfect, it is about trying again, with patience and practice, goals will be achieved, with making each year a meaningful change, as with perseverance and focus, anything is possible. Everyone grows at their own pace, so never give up. After all, everyday is a chance to improve.
-Prutha
The new year gives us an opportunity to look back without regret and ahead without fear and worry. Over the past year, we have experienced moments of triumph and moments of defeat and setback. Some lessons have come from the achievements that we are proud of, whereas others come from the mistakes where we could have made the better decision. But every experience, good or bad, has made us the people we are today. A new beginning doesn’t only mean forgetting about the past. Rather, it means learning from our mistakes and carrying those lessons with us lifelong. For students, a new year resembles an opportunity to reshape ourselves, allowing us to shape goals not just about grades or marks, but also to character and being a better person overall. We may decide to be more disciplined, more compassionate, or more courageous and direct in expressing our thoughts. Even little resolutions, such as improved time management, being kinder, or being more curious, whatever it is, can create meaningful change when practiced more consistently. This theme also promotes a transformation in our perspectives and thinking. Rather than viewing these issues as hurdles, we might see them as stepping stones and opportunities for long-term improvement. Exams, extracurricular activities, obligations, and expectations might be daunting , but they help prepare us for life outside of the classroom. A positive mindset helps us approach difficulties, and issues with resilience, hope and courage, reminding us that progress isn’t always immediate but definitely possible.
Furthermore, a new year also presents an opportunity to strengthen bonds with our friends, teachers, and especially ourselves. By listening to each other we
help to create an environment that emphasises harmony and understanding, encouraging one another and respecting different opinions.
-Nivrit
The year 2026 has many exciting aspects which one should really look forward to. I think that the new year is something which we should use to the fullest in order to improve ourselves in various ways. Here are some aspects of the new year that I am really looking forward to:
The start of a new year gives another chance to focus on major international issues such as climate change, water shortage, war, etc. So thanks to the new year, we can start fresh and come back to those problems with a new determination to do our best as students to remove them. Our thoughts should be as follows: “This year, how can we be more impactful and useful to the world than ever before.” Not only should we think like this, we should also put such plans into action. Even if we make the smallest of contributions to solve global issues, it will still be very helpful to the world.
2026 also gives me a new chance to improve at various skills, whether they are academics, sports or any other skills. People can decide what new skills they would like to develop and would be beneficial to them in their lives.
We can work back on our mistakes we made in the past years. We can identify our strengths and weaknesses and work on them, starting fresh. Along with continuing to improve our strengths, we can also give special attention to our weaknesses and convert them into strengths. For example, someone might notice that in the past years, he had a weakness of giving up the first time he tried doing something new. So he can work on this weakness and create a firm resolve to keep trying and avoid giving up.
With the start of a new year, we also have a new, fresh chance to identify our interests and what we aspire to do in the future. This refers to the profession/career we want to practice in the future.
Just like any year, in the year 2026 we will also have to go through various difficulties whether they are physical, mental, psychological or social difficulties. As said very rightly by Albert Einstein, “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.”.
Therefore, if we face any difficulties in the year 2026, we can identify big opportunities amidst those difficulties and use them to our advantage. These exciting prospects of the new year is exactly why I am looking forward so enthusiastically to 2026. May 2026 be the BEST year for all of us.
-Shyam
The start of a new year always encourages reflection. It’s a time when I naturally look back and think about how much has changed,not just in terms of age, but in how I think, act, and interact with others. Over the past year, I’ve realized that growth often happens quietly. It shows up in small shifts in mindset, daily habits, and lessons that slowly begin to stick. These changes have shaped the way I approach school, relationships, and myself.
One noticeable area of growth has been how I manage my time and responsibilities at school. I’ve been trying to focus more in class instead of rushing through assignments just to get them done. Paying closer attention has helped me understand material better and produce work that reflects real effort rather than stress or carelessness. While I still struggle at times and make mistakes, I’ve learned that improvement doesn’t mean being perfect. It means trying consistently and learning from moments when things don’t go as planned. Each day feels like another chance to do a little better than the last.
Another important change has been developing greater self-awareness. I’ve started to pause before reacting, thinking more carefully about my actions and how they affect others. Instead of responding emotionally right away, I reflect on situations, especially when I make mistakes. This reflection helps me learn from those moments rather than repeat them. It’s also allowed me to recognize both my strengths and weaknesses, which has built confidence. Understanding myself better has shown me that growth comes from honesty and effort, not from avoiding flaws. The new year feels like a fresh opportunity, not to start over completely, but to continue improving. It reminds me that self-growth is ongoing and that there is always room to learn more. Moving forward, I want to keep developing positive habits, valuing kindness, and making thoughtful choices that benefit both myself and those around me. While I don’t have everything figured out, I’m committed to learning along the way and becoming a better version of myself with each new year.
-Ishaan
“Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
This quote reminds me of the immense power of the subconscious mind. What we repeatedly think, feel, and believe slowly shapes our reality. For me, the start of a new year is also a reminder that each day should begin with gratitude. Gratitude grounds the mind, brings clarity, and shifts focus from what is missing to what is already present. When we practice compassion and empathy—towards ourselves and others—it raises our inner vibrations, creating a positive mental state where growth, resilience, and confidence can flourish.
The past year, however, was not easy for me. Transitioning from the IB curriculum to the IGCSE board was a major academic shift. The change in assessment style, expectations, and pace affected my preparation and performance, and my exam results were not what I had hoped for. At the same time, my mother was unwell due to severe slip disc issues. During this phase, I stepped into responsibilities at home, fulfilling my duties as a son—supporting her, helping manage daily tasks, and being emotionally present. While this period impacted my academic outcomes, it taught me lessons no textbook ever could. Seeing my mother gradually recover and regain her strength feels like my greatest achievement. Her healing is my real win, one that outweighs any marksheet.
As I step into this new year, I carry forward a powerful belief: “I believe I can.” This belief fuels my optimism and determination. I now understand that success is built through massive, consistent actions combined with focused deep work. To support this, I have created a goal card that clearly reflects my ambitions and daily intentions. It helps train my mind to stay aligned with my goals and prevents distractions from weakening my focus. New Year, New Beginnings is more than a theme—it is a mindset of resilience, clarity, and purpose. I move forward with confidence, discipline, and belief, trusting that sincere effort guided by the right mindset will lead me to success. Because when belief meets gratitude and action, every new beginning becomes a powerful success story.
-Ojaswa
When I think about the past year, I realise that it had both good and difficult moments. There were times when I felt confident and happy with my work, but there were also moments when I felt stressed, confused, or unsure of myself. Sometimes things did not turn out the way I expected, and that was frustrating. However, looking back, I understand that those moments helped me learn more about myself. They taught me that mistakes are normal and that improvement takes time.
At the beginning of a new year, many people talk about resolutions. I feel that new beginnings are not only about setting big goals, but also about making small changes. This year, I want to focus on being more organised and managin my time better, especially with schoolwork. I also want to stop putting too much pressure on myself and learn to stay calm when things feel overwhelming. These may seem like small things, but I believe they can make a big difference over time.
A new year also makes me think differently about challenges. Instead of seeing them as failures, I am trying to see them as learning experiences. Having a positive mindset does not mean everything will be easy, but it helps me stay motivated. When I think positively, I feel more confident about facing new situations and trying again, even if I fail the first time. As a student, a new beginning means new lessons, new responsibilities, and new opportunities to improve. It reminds me that learning is a process and that it is okay to take time to grow. The year 2026 feels like another chance for me to learn from my mistakes from last year and move forward. It feels like a fresh new page for me to fill in.
-Rhea