Texas Tech community members share their New Year’s resolutions.
For many people, the end of one year and the start of another is a natural time for reflection. A new year can mean new opportunities – whether that's a chance to do something better or something new entirely.
As 2022 approaches, we're sharing with you the New Year's resolutions of Texas Tech University community members who appeared in this year's inaugural issue of Evermore, our official university magazine.
📸: Lubbock Avalanche Journal
From all of us at Texas Tech, we wish you and your family a joyous new year!
Trey Culver
Lubbock real estate agent, co-founder of the Culver Foundation, collegiate champion high jumper and Texas Tech alumnus (bachelor's degree, 2017; master's degree, 2019)
- Business: I want to grow and establish my identity in the Lubbock business community as one of the top young real estate agents around.
- Community: I want me, my family and the Culver Foundation to grow and pour into the Lubbock community even more than we did last year.
- Track: I want to make the 2022 Indoor and Outdoor World Championships.
Gen. C.Q. Brown Jr.
Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force and Texas Tech alumnus (bachelor's degree, 1985)
Rather than making a resolution, I'm recommitting myself to values and practices that have served me well so far. I always remain open to continued learning as a leader and I always have fun. If I do one thing differently in 2022, I'll carve out a little more “me” time. I tell airmen I serve with to build in time for themselves – to schedule quality time for themselves away from the mission – so they can be more present when it's time to show up for others. We are better leaders, airmen, family members and friends when we take care of ourselves, first, and I want to lead by example on that front.
Jillian Hackett
Founder and CEO of Lillian Jenae Designs and current Texas Tech student majoring in apparel design and manufacturing (bachelor's degree, expected 2024)
I have two primary New Year's resolutions.
The first is to grow both my creative portfolio and professional resume through various on- and off-campus experiences. I hope to have three larger opportunities like this in 2022. I am happy to share that I am already receiving great news in regard to this resolution!
The second is to have a strong showing at New York Fashion Week this coming September and, shortly after, fully launch my label, Lillian Jenae Designs, with the collection I will show in New York.
Monte Monroe
Texas State Historian, archivist for the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library at Texas Tech and Texas Tech alumnus (master's degree, 1991; doctorate, 1999)
- With two granddaughters coming in 2022, I resolve to be a loving and encouraging grandparent like mine were.
- In 2022, I resolve to, in a more timely manner, acknowledge acts of kindness and assistance shown to me by family, friends and colleagues.
- In 2022, I resolve to seek out and preserve nuggets of historical archives worthy of the attention of future generations before they are lost.
Lawrence Schovanec
President of Texas Tech
My resolution is to keep a clean desk.
Chris Snead
Vice president of operations and engagement at the Texas Tech Alumni Association and Texas Tech alumnus (bachelor's degree, 1994)
My New Year's resolution is twofold:
- stay in my lane more
- listen more, talk less.
Mike Gustafson
President and CEO of the College Baseball Foundation and Texas Tech alumnus (bachelor's degree, 1989; doctorate, 2005)
Allow me to overthink the difference between a goal and a resolution ... This time last year, I had the goal of converting our basement from a space to hold junk to a usable space. I resolved to work on it at least 10 minutes a night, knowing that I would be more effective by chipping away at it than by spending entire weekends down there. I completed that this fall, and therefore have a better handle on this “goal vs. resolution” thing.
In 2022, I ...
- resolve to read for pleasure more – less TV and more reading.
- resolve to journal at some level, even if a very basic sentence or two each night.
- As I finalize the rehabilitation from an August shoulder surgery, I resolve to do something pertaining to fitness every day – walk, push-ups, something, however minor, every day.
I have an interest in learning how to DJ/mix, and I would be OK to do so at just an elementary level. At this point, it is more of a curiosity. Maybe this will be the year to spend some free time on that.
Von Venhuizen
Associate professor of ceramics in the Texas Tech School of Art
I usually don't do resolutions… but, my goal/hope/resolution is to finish that Mach 1 restoration and actually drive the car in 2022! That might be lame to some, but that is going to be a ton of work!
It'd be easier quitting eating chocolate … and that isn't happening!
Heidi Winkler
Digital services librarian in the Texas Tech University Libraries
My New Year's resolution is to spend less time on my phone. I need to be looking less at my social media feeds or the news stories I can do nothing about and more at my new puppy, Mabel! She arrived to me over Thanksgiving after I lost my sweet Buddy in September, and 2022 definitely needs to be all about her.
Lynda Kay Parker
Singer, songwriter, actress, business owner and Texas Tech alumna (bachelor's degree, 1990; juris doctorate, 1994)
Want to learn more about Evermore? Subscribe for future issues at today.ttu.edu/evermore and you'll receive a free digital download of Issue No. 1.
