It’s sad to say, but another year has come and gone. And what a year it has been.

Just one year ago we were awaiting the announcement of the Bush Library… apparently not much progress has been made, seeing as we’re still waiting.

Hollywood stars took entertaining to a whole new level in 2007. From rehab hook-ups and bald celebrities attacking paparazzi with umbrellas to 24-hour stints in the slammer and baby-mama dramas, it really begs the question: Who wouldn’t want to be famous?

Beckham mania swept the country when David and Victoria crossed the pond to make the United States their new home. And we mustn’t forget the Spice Girls reunion. Nobody saw that one coming.

Step outside the limelight for a moment and recall the crappy economic state our country has delved itself into this year. The plunging market and mortgage foreclosures suggest our government is more focused on Iraq than on its own people. Perhaps 2008 will shift some of the attention back on the citizens.

On the other hand, perhaps the rollercoaster that is our gas prices these days will entice Americans to ride a bike, creating a ripple effect to combat obesity. (After all, America is home to the fattest population in the world.)

While 2007 still has a few more weeks to go, not much could top the year we’ve had thus far.

One of the more important battles this year dealt with human rights. Who could forget the racial wake up call we received in September? A group of people in Jena, La., brought racism in a small town face-to-face with the rest of the country. The case initiated uninvited flashbacks to the Civil Rights Movement. Jena 6 reminded us that racism in the United States is far from dead and buried.

One more important issue that bears mentioning: The SMU community lost four students in the last 13 months. As we approach the new year and begin to make our resolutions, perhaps we should acknowledge gratitude for our health and the friends and family who keep us going every day. Remember those we lost from substance abuse and declare war on the substances that took them from us.

Make a resolution to be a better person in 2008. Watch out for your friends and family, known the difference between right and wrong, don’t be afraid to be your own person, and, most importantly, set an example for the ones who follow in your footsteps.

We wish SMU a happy and healthy new year.