SENIOR YEAR “BUCKET LIST”

 

This week, I received a text: 12 more Fridays left. A mere twelve weeks until graduation comes and my education in Naperville comes to a close. For almost four years I’ve walked through the blue and orange halls of NNHS, and I’ve become quite accustomed to the community. It’s weird to think that I only have twelve more weeks of it.

Yes, it is still premature to be concerned about such things, after all, it is only the 8th week of the semester. However, I wanted to make note of things I want to try or accomplish before the end of the year, and before the tears come streaming when I see my two favorite juniors in the stands of the NNHS football stadium.

Some of these notes are a little vaguer than others, and others may not be able to apply to everyone. However, I hope that this can help others reflect on what they want from the rest of the year.

 

1. DO SOMETHING ABOUT SLEEP

My last blog post was about this, so I won’t go into too much detail. However, my continual desperation for sleep has limited me from other opportunities and closed the doors to things I believe I would’ve otherwise enjoyed. I don’t want it to hold me back anymore. I’ve tried to start waking up earlier on the weekends and sleeping earlier on the weekdays. 

 

2. PARTICIPATE (EVEN IF IT’S EMBARRASSING) 

One of the most significant things to come out of senior year is that I’ve learned to be okay with embarrassment, or at least not shy away from it. It’s not that I’ve become any more desensitized to it, trust me I feel it, but I’ve begun to believe that oftentimes the experience is worth it. This doesn’t always end well, but what’s life without a few risks? As a result, I’ve tried doing everything offered to me this year. Senior assassins, Airband, and school dances. This is often easier said than done, but I’ve tried to push myself. New experiences can only teach me more about myself and what I like. And if things don’t go as planned, that’s okay. 

 

3. TAKE MORE PHOTOS / VIDEOS

This one might seem a little silly, as most people would say it is better to live in the moment. And while I do agree, sometimes these photos and videos can recover wonderful memories. I don’t mean to imply that every hangout should be bombarded with flash photography and poses, but a few quick shots to capture a few precious moments is all I ask for. 

 

4. INVITE PEOPLE OVER

For a while, I was hesitant about inviting people over to my house, but in recent times I realized I enjoy it. I’d love to have people over for movie or game nights or to watch reality tv shows until 4 am.

 

5. LEARN TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY 

This one is embarrassing, but I have no idea how to drive on the highway. If I got on one right now, I would be in so much trouble. Because I feel that this is probably a necessary skill to have, I want to try getting on one sometime soon. 

 

6. COOK WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

I have no idea how to feed myself. My dad enjoys cooking, and I need to learn, so I think it would be cool to cook some meals together. Hopefully, then I would be able to make a decent meal for my parents.

 

7. WATCH 3 TWILIGHT MOVIES IN ONE NIGHT

Although I believe gathering people for all nine hours of the Twilight Saga is unethical, I think I can get away with just watching the last three movies. I’d like to reaffirm my stance on Team Edward and convince others to follow suit. 

 

8. BIKE RACE WITH A JUNIOR

Soohyun and I have been putting this one off for a year, but we used to say that we would do a simple three-mile race to see who’s faster (definitely not the one who’s six feet tall). I’m not scared of losing, so this has to happen soon. Or we can do a milk mile. 

 

9. THRIFT IN CHICAGO

Evelyn and I have been meaning to have a day dedicated to thrifting in Chicago! I love clothes and I love sorting through secondhand clothing, it’s better for the environment and it offers more unique choices.

 

10. GO ON A ROAD TRIP

I hope I am not the one driving (because I cannot drive on the highway), but I think a road trip would be so much fun! The idea of being stuck in a car with my friends for six hours is a little funny to me, and I want to see how it plays out. Who will get mad first?

 

11. WAKE UP FOR A SUNRISE WITH FRIENDS

This is a more basic part of my bucket list, but I think it could be fun if it actually happens. There’s the simplicity of enjoying the cool morning breeze, and going out of each other’s way to spend time together. 

 

12. TAKE A ZUMBA CLASS

This is one Grace and I have been planning because we are very dedicated Mind & Body students. I’ve never done a guided exercise class before, so I think it could be a unique and enriching experience.

 

13. GO CAMPING

I’ve mentioned this to everyone, but I want to go camping. Even if it’s cold and it rains, I trust that it’ll be a fun experience. I want to go kayaking, have a bonfire, and ignore any unknown sounds coming from right outside of the tent.

 

14. START A RECREATIONAL TENNIS LEAGUE

I’ve never played tennis before, but I have one friend that has, and that is more than enough! I think it would be funny to gather people who don’t know tennis for a day and go at it. 

 

15. WAKE UP EARLY ON A LATE ARRIVAL DAY

I think I’ve said no to every single plan that’s been made on a Wednesday morning. Maybe next time I’ll have to say yes. 

 

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my very scattered list of things I want to accomplish senior year. Some of these are more detailed than others, but ultimately I just want to try new things and go out of my way to do them. I feel very lucky to have the friends that I have now, and I believe that we should make the most out of the time we have together.

 

12 Fridays left. Make them count!