Spread your wings, Eagles, and live this new year by the phrase, “2024 [for] the Plot.” 

This term, coined by young individuals on the app, TikTok, has encouraged many to make decisions so the “plot” of their lives is more interesting. To some extent, it has replaced “YOLO” as a way to explain the thought process behind spontaneous decisions. Some may view the term as cliche, but is there depth to this seemingly cheesy term?

Amalia Strahl, ‘25, sees value in the phrase and is using the “2024 the Plot” mindset as an opportunity to let go of her fears.

“2024 for the Plot is about not living life scared and that you might as well just go for it,” Strahl said.

To her, living unafraid and taking risks can improve your confidence tenfold.

“We all need to stop living scared at some point; we might as well do it in 2024,” she added. 

But to others, 2024 the Plot is about the thrill of risk-taking.

Maggie Tebbe, ‘26, says, “I hate being bored, but if I do something for the ‘plot.’ it brings more excitement to my life and I can feel my confidence grow.”

For some, the “YOLO” attitude is an everyday occurrence. Tebbe, who dislikes boredom, recommends this unconstrained mindset to anyone who feels similar.

“By living 2024 the Plot, I find more reasons to take risks and go out and just do what I want to do,” Tebbe said. 

Although risk-taking may be daunting, some Wahlert students try to see the positive side, even if the outcome is not ideal.

Hannah Stecher, ‘27, believes, “Either something good can come out of it or something bad can, and you learn from that, which is a positive thing.”

After doing things for the “plot” throughout the month of January, Stecher has already seen the ups and downs of risk-taking. However, instead of crawling into her shell and giving up on this new mindset, she tries to find the benefits in every up and down. She urges anyone who’s afraid of the risks that come with 2024 the Plot to simply go with the flow.

“Instead of waiting for someone to give me a plan, I make my own plan through 2024 the Plot,” she said. 

Whether this mindset serves as a path to an interesting 2024 or a motivator to come out of your shell this year, your fellow Eagles urge everyone to try this “cheesy” new attitude. It might just change your year for the better.

As Tebbe says, “Do it for the ‘plot,’ ‘cause you don’t want a boring story.”