A new year means new goals. New goals mean learning new hobbies, or perfecting old ones.

Hobbies, with enough time and initiative, can become talents. And that is exactly what SFU’s Student Activities Organization (SAO) is looking for at the start of the new year: talent.

Every spring semester, SAO hosts “SFU’s Got Talent.” The event is intended to bring out competitors of all backgrounds and talents. In the past, the event has drawn everything from pop singers to heavy metal bands and drummers to dancers.

One of last year’s winners, Alyssa Smith, said performing in SFU’s Got Talent was one of her favorite college memories.

“I loved spending hours with the guys, just jamming out,” said Smith, “and that rush I felt when stepping onto the stage with my friends there to support me in my passion for music.”

Beginning Jan. 29, performers will have the opportunity to compete for prizes, including a $500 award for first place. The competition will run for four consecutive Fridays: Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 12, and 19. The competition will be held in JFK Auditorium, starting at 9 p.m. each Friday night.

The voting process is a “text-to-vote” method. Voters will send in a text – or “vote” – for the performer they think deserves to continue to the next round.

This year’s line-up for SFU’s Got Talent includes singers, dancers and even an accordion player. There will also be plenty of guest performers, including CRU and the SFU Dance Team.

“We’re excited to see all the unique talents students have to offer us this year,” said SAO president Kayli Gallen.

Gallen noted that there have been a few changes to the format of the competition. “Nothing too serious, but we’re eager to see the impact it has on the program.”