A Little Spring Cleaning in Life March 9, 2023

In the following weeks, the chilly winter weather that NYC has experienced for the past few months will begin to fade away. Instead we will be greeted by budding flowers, light breezes, and sunny days.  Spring’s arrival marks a reset for some plants and animals, but it can also be a great time for people to reorganize their homes and goals.  Typically, “spring cleaning” refers to the deep cleaning of one’s home at the start of the season. However, we asked New York English Academy students to respond to prompts that contemplated “a little spring cleaning in life”. Let’s see what they had to say!

Are you happy with who you have become? How can you grow or improve?

I am rather satisfied. When I meet great friends, I get good stimulation to grow as a person.

– Saaya, Japan

Happiness is necessary for growth. Being a medical doctor is one of the most outstanding

achievements I have earned, and I am delighted. I am meant to be in this position, I know that right now. I can improve my life by acquiring more skills outside of medicine and gaining a broader understanding of the world. Education never ends. 

– Oritseweyinmi Sanni, Nigeria

I’m very happy with the person who I have become. I never thought I would be able to experience such amazing things in my life, like traveling around the world, learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and seeing my dreams becoming a reality. I love how much I have been growing, all the new things that I made, and all the experiences that I have now.

– Estefania, Colombia

Name 3 things that bring you pure happiness, peace, and joy.

I would say dog, dog, dog. The dog park is the place that brings me pure happiness and joy. No matter how hard the day is, just watching dogs playing around can make me feel calm. 

– Mei, China

Three things that bring me pure joy are nature, mediation, and traveling. I love traveling and seeing the beauty of nature. Traveling helps me relax and learn new things. 

– Sameera, India

The first thing that makes me happy is traveling; nothing can motivate my life more than traveling. The second thing is to get lost in reading. An interesting book that you can immerse yourself in for a couple of hours and not worry about time is amazing. The third thing that makes me happy is a calm day without rushing. 

– Mila, Russia

What are the top things that have moved you forward this year?

It is my first year living alone without my parents. It took twenty-four years but finally I did it. I was always trying to be an independent man but living alone is different. It’s been almost a year since I’ve left my country and this makes me very sad because I really miss my friends and parents. I said I am sad, but that is not actually true: I am really proud of myself for doing it. I will see my parents soon and everything is going to be alright.

– Archil, Georgia

I’m so happy when I wake up earlier than my alarm clock. I can go back to sleep again, or I can just get up and do something different; this allows having more choices than usual. 

– Naoki, Japan

Three things that have moved me forward are taking more risks, not compromising my goals, and taking care of myself and my peace. Some things that have held me back are overthinking and having a closed mind sometimes.

– Romina, Uruguay