Eppinette, Ryan: Bucket List

When I was asked to write about my bucket list—the things I want to do before I pass away—a deluge of ideas seemed to flood my mind. Of course, I would like to travel the world, win the lottery, and join a famous rock band. However, the more I thought about my ambitions, the more I realized that those would only provide a fleeting sense of accomplishment. My thoughts turned to more important things. Instead of short-term thrills, the top items on my bucket list will allow me to enjoy long-term gratification.

            First, I want to have a fulfilling career that will enable me to make a positive contribution to society. I hope that it will allow me to give something back to my community before I shuffle off this mortal coil. Albert Pike said, “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” Accomplishing this goal would give me a lifelong sense of satisfaction.

            After securing a gratifying job, I hope to have a loving family with whom to share my accomplishments. I feel strongly that to fully enjoy a happy life, I need people with whom to share it. I will take great pride in providing my children with the opportunity to be successful themselves.

            In the long run, it does not matter if I ever shake hands with the President, visit the Bahamas, or base jump from the Empire State Building. Those things would be thrilling and I hope to do them someday, but the goals on my bucket list will provide more than a temporary adrenaline rush. They will provide a lasting sense of a life well lived.