New Skills of 2026: Bonneville Students Learn and Grow

Ashlyn Paredes 
Staff Writer
Bonneville high students are setting ambitious goals for 2026, many of them planning new skills ranging from musical instruments to life management, according to a recent student survey.   There are a variety of skills that students chose during the survey. A few wanted to learn a new language in case they travelled somewhere where the locals spoke that language or just to understand anyone else who speaks the language. 32% of the students, however, wanted to learn how to play or be better at a sport because they find it enjoyable. Some students wanted to learn life skills like budgeting or just being more independent for when they graduate high school. A number of responses were from students who want to learn to play musical instruments. Ashlynn Tracy, a sophomore,  said, “I want to learn to play higher notes on my trumpet.” She anticipates that it will take a year to do; with a growth mindset, she plans to “just do it.” Tracy’s band class and the support from her other peers motivate her to keep practicing. This skill will help her to learn songs, notes easier and to play her trumpet more efficiently. 
  Not only are students interested in developing their musical abilities, however, music isn’t the only skill that students have wanted to learn this year. There are a few unpopular skills that some students chose. For example, Ashlynn Morgan, for example, said she wants to learn to crochet because, “Something new could be fun and cool.” Sophronia Hayes said she wants to learn to do more advanced dances, “I’m an intermediate/advanced tap dancer and want to get better.” Some people went for more simple yet fun skills. One of the more simple, but fun, skills, said by Maden Purcell, was “I would like to learn how to juggle.” “It sounds fun and unique. A new challenge could be entertaining.” Anticipating that it will only take four months, Purcell plans to practice whenever there is time. Twenty four different skills were mentioned by students in the survey. Many Bonneville students have decided to take on something for the new year, and you should too!    ​