As the 2025 year begins Ivana Risteska has resolved to travel more.

The second year Mechanical Engineering major wants to see more of the world.

“One of the things I am doing to achieve this resolution is applying to a study away program from Purdue Northwest,” Resteska said. “They are taking students to Germany.”

She said Germany is on her bucket list and hopes the trip will provide both educational opportunities and happy memories. 

“I enjoy traveling because I get to experience new cultures, people, traditions and different languages,” she said. “I have been learning the German language for six years now and I would like to experience their social life. 

“In addition to that, the Purdue-Northwest program allows us to travel across the country as well as take a class that would assist me in broadening my knowledge,” Risteska said.

The second year student has a good track record with resolutions. 

“One of my goals last year was to read more books, which I did actually achieve by making a goodreads account and keeping track of the books that I read. … I also set up a 2024 book challenge which is basically trying to read a certain amount of books,” she said.

“Resolutions are important because they give us a sense of direction and purpose,” said Resteska. “They remind us that we have the power to shape our lives and work toward becoming the best version of ourselves. 

“Even if things don’t go as planned, it’s essential to keep trying because every step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to our goals,” she said. “Persistence is what turns our dreams into reality.”