Levin, Amanda: Teens and Contraception

            In the article “IUDs, Implants Best Teen Birth Control, ACOG Says” Charles Bankhead argues that contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices are the safest and most protective birth control option out there for teenagers. But, teenagers and their parents greatly favor oral contraceptives and condoms, as suggested in the article “Parents Prefer Some, Often Less-Effective, Birth Control Methods for Teens” by Milly Dawson. After a phone study, it was decided that parents are more accepting of different kinds of contraceptives if they acknowledge their daughter’s independence, but mostly name birth control pills as their top choice (Dawson). But, other studies show that short-acting contraceptive methods have higher failure rates compared to long-acting contraceptives, such as IUDs (Bankhead). Long-acting reversible options are only used by less than 5% of teenagers who use contraception (Bankhead). Studies have shown that 86% of women continue to use long-acting methods of contraception, while only 55% continue their short-acting methods (Bankhead). In another study, parents with a daughter ages 12 to 17 were asked about their attitudes toward different contraceptive methods. Their acceptance rate of each method were in this order: birth control (59%), condoms (51%), injectable contraceptives (46%), emergency contraceptive (45%), birth control patches (42%), implants (32%), and intrauterine devices (18%) (Dawson). Cori Baill, M.D., believes that IUD’s are not acceptable to parents because of safety problems, and the events having to do with the Dalkon shield (Dawson). But, parents need to know that unplanned pregnancies were 22 times more likely with women using short-term forms of contraception, and teenagers were twice as likely to have unwanted pregnancies than older women when using short-term contraception (Bankhead). In sum, these two articles are both discussing different types of contraception, how protective they are, and how parents feel about them. The article, “IUDs, Implants Best Teen Birth Control, ACOG Says,” mostly talks about how IUD’s are the most effective contraception method compared to short-term contraceptives. The article, “Parents Prefer Some, Often Less-Effective, Birth Control Methods for Teens,” says that parents are more willing for their daughter to use birth control rather than IUD’s and implants even though their daughter is more likely to get pregnant while using short-term contraceptives. All in all, these two articles clearly state that IUDs are the way to go if you want to choose a lasting, effective, and safe contraceptive method.

Hardy, Zachary: Teens and Contraception

                  For most, being sexually active and using protection isn’t a novel idea. However, the protection most popularly being used by young females is not the safest. The two sexual health articles attempt educate to the public about how the long-lasting reversible contraceptives are more efficient than its short-lasting popular counterparts.

                  To support their underlying message, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG) use statistics to show why adolescent women should choose long-lasting contraceptives instead of short-lasting contraceptives. In 2007 it was stated that an estimated 42% of teens are sexually active, yet less than 5% of teens use long lasting contraceptive methods (Bankhead, 1). This number supports their claim that long-lasting contraceptives should be used, as it has a reported failure rate of less than 1% per year for adolescents (Bankhead, 1). Also, with teenage pregnancy accounting for 20% of unintended pregnancies, the ACOG informs women under 21 that they are twice as likely to become pregnant using short-lasting contraceptives than older women (Bankhead, 1). The ACOG’s statistics convey to the reader that long-term methods, such as IUDs and implants, are the better alternative to short-lasting methods of condoms and withdrawal (Bankhead, 1).

                  The Health Behavior News Service also attempts to educate parents about more effective pregnancy protection. Most parents link long-lasting contraceptives with long-lasting sexual activities, and thus prefer condoms before injections or implants (Dawson, 1). The authors, however, want to underscore that the effectiveness of long-lasting contraceptives such as injections and implants outweighs the less efficient condoms for pregnancies. They also convey that the parent’s confidence in their daughter is strongly correlated to what protection their daughter uses, implying that parents should respect their daughter’s autonomy as it may lead to safer contraceptives (Dawson, 1).

                  Both health articles understand that long-lasting contraceptives are superior to short-lasting contraceptives. The ACOG convey its message through numbers and Health Behavior News Service employs logic to support their belief that long lasting contraceptives should replace the less effective contraceptives.

Cooper, James: Teens and Contraception

Sexual health has been an important topic over the course of history. It is best defined as a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. Adolescent’s sexual health knowledge depends on parents communicating the knowledge of sexual health to their active and, knowledge helps teenagers and parents’ opinions about long-acting contraceptive methods.

Parents can help increase contraceptive usage by sexually-active teenagers. In the first article, lead author Lauren Hartman states that “Among U.S. adolescents, the rates of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections remains high.” A recent survey reprinted in the Journal of Adolescent Health, found that parents who recognized their teens’ autonomy were the most likely to accept the use of birth control but, they were more accepting of birth control pills and condoms in contrast to more effective contraceptive methods such as implants. The authors believed that the parental disapproval of long-acting contraceptive methods was primarily based around the issue of the Dalkon shield and its ban in the United States. They also believed that parents associate long-acting contraceptives with continuous sexual relationships as well. Many clinicians have now made it a goal to educate parents about long-acting contraceptive methods and STD prevention in order to reduce unwanted pregnancies and to prevent STDs. Long-acting contraception methods and implants have a positive effect on lowering teen pregnancy in the United States today.

The second article discussed stated that contraceptive implants offer better protection against unwanted pregnancies than other methods and that short-acting contraceptives led to higher rates of pregnancy. Writing about implants members of the ACOG Committee on Adolescent Health Care stated that “These contraceptives have the highest rates of satisfaction and continuation of all reversible contraceptives. Adolescents are at high risk of unintended pregnancy and may benefit from increased access to long-acting reversible contraceptive methods.” Many sexually active teens use contraceptives, but rarely use them effectively and around 80% of all unwanted pregnancies occur through the misusage of contraceptives. The article stated that increasing access to long-acting reversible contraceptives is an opportunity for clinicians to persuade the public about the effectiveness of these types of contraceptives. Another study concluded that two-thirds of young women use long-acting contraceptives. Doctors now want to spread awareness of long-active contraceptives to the public and reduce unwanted pregnancies.

McLelland, Kedar: Bucket List

A bucket list, a list that brings your last moments of existence down to words on a page, or raises them up in immortalized glory. That being said, let’s get this started.

Number one: publish a book of poetry. Why? It would be a huge milestone. Not because it’s a book, but because it will mark my place in literary history. As a human being it will mark me, no longer a speck in the stream of life, but a steel block instead. Personally, I want others to feel the words I write. I want to be listed among the greats such as Poe, Cummings, or Plath.

Number two: make a positive change in someone else’s life. I don’t want it to make myself look good like the “good guy,” but because I want to. There is nothing better in this world than happiness, whether from a good joke or a long lasting friendship, it changes your life in some way.

Number three: run for political office. This would be purely for my amusement. I don’t think anybody can run this country perfectly; there are too many different factions. I would love to tear all that apart and start over.

Number four: achieve my PhD. It would validate my education and cement my role in society. Not only that but it would be a finalization of everything that I’ve worked for. Besides, I think Dr. Kedar J. McLelland has a nice ring to it.

Number five: write a five movement musical piece. Music is my passion, it’s been a part of my life ever since I was young and it will always be that way. The reason for five movements? Because some of the greatest musical pieces have multiple movements that tell a story, and telling stories is a cultural thing.

And in a nutshell, that would be my list.

Honors College Report: September 25, 2012

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Honors College Report

September 25, 2012

Activities and News:

• HC admitted 59 new students, 6 were sophomores the rest were entering freshmen. International students admitted came from Nigeria (2), Nepal, Sri Lanka, Togo, Tunisia, United Kingdom, Vietnam, and Zimbawe. Arkansas contributed 34 students, Texas 14, Tennessee 1, Louisiana 1.
• The annual matriculation ceremony was held last Saturday with Judge Kelvin Wyrick giving the keynote address for Senator Mark Pryor, who was delayed in Washington, DC due to legislative business.
• Director Kardas and GA Carter Jones wrote a Portz grant to the NCHC: New 2-year Honors Programs allow students to attend nearby Honors College. That grant seeks to establish honors programs at four nearby two-year schools: SAU Tech, SACC, UACCH, and Cossatot. The grant will allow the HC to expand by admitting qualified students as juniors. Those students will be able to transfer in their honors hours earned at the two-year schools via honors articulation agreements.
• The HC offices and lounge are now located in Nelson 200. A dedication ceremony and open house will be announced soon.
• Dr. Trey Berry addressed the Honors Seminar class recently. Next week Dr. Lisa Toms will address them. Dr. Berry spoke of the importance of undergraduate research. Dr. Toms will discuss honors courses and opportunities in the College of Business.
• Honors students will again trade their first year stipend money ($600) for an iPad. The tablets were ordered recently and should arrive in a matter of days.
• Three honors students won summer internships in 2012. Darrell Gray worked with the Detroit Lions NFL football team as an intern trainer. Chris Harris worked as a political science intern in Washington, DC. Alex Novotny worked as an intern at Disney World in Orlando. In October they will give a short program describing their experiences.
• Another honors student, Deana Hughes, is currently enrolled in an honors semester program at Northern Arizona University centered on courses about the Grand Canyon.
• Zachary Pinson, Hali Pinson, Michelle Beavers will travel to the NASA Stennis Space Center in October to begin work on a research project: Prospective Job Satisfaction: Female ENGR Students. There, they will meet with NASA personnel in order to begin developing a questionnaire on prospective job satisfaction of female and male engineering undergraduate students throughout the state of Arkansas.
• Honors College continues to work on sponsoring an educational trip to Cuba, tentatively scheduled for Spring Break 2013. The Riceland Corporation has yet to respond to our inquiries about funding. HC may write a grant to Walmart instead.


Fall 2012 Enrollment report (as of 09-25-2012)
Full honors: 79—HC 63, HIST 16
Contracts: 85—ACCT 2, AGED 1, BIOL 29, CSCI 4, ECE 2, ENGL 4 ENGR 1, FIN 1, HIST 4, HS 1, HUM 7, MKTG 2, NURS 5, PHIL 1, PSCI 6, PSYC 7, SPAN 1, SWK 1, THEA 6
Spring 2012 Enrollment report (as of 01-25-2012):
Full honors: 46— ANTH 6, ENGL 17, PSYC 23
Contracts: 91—ACCT 2, ANTH 4, BIOL 32, CRJU 2, CSCI 3, ENGL 7, HIST 4, MATH 3, MKTG 2, PHIL 1, PSYC 19, SOC 10, SPAN 1, THEA 1

Romo, Ricardo: Bucket List

     There are many things that I would like to accomplish before I die, or before “I kick the bucket,” as people would like to say.

First, I would like to graduate Southern Arkansas University with Honors. Currently I am a freshman at the university, and have already accumulated several college credit hours while attending high school. No one in my family has attended college, and I would instill pride in them by graduating college with Honors.

            Second, I would like to find true love and marry a sweet and conservative woman. In my opinion, it would be very depressing to live a lonely life. One day, I would like to find that special someone and share the rest of my life with her.

            Third, I would like to create my own version of a machine that generates salt water into fresh water. I want to make the machine more efficient and more cost effective for third world countries that do not have the access to fresh water.

            Speaking of other countries, the fourth item on my bucket list is to visit major historical cities in Europe and the United States. I have always been amazed by skyscrapers and the historical values of cities, and visiting such places as New York City or Rome would quench my need to travel.

            Fifth, I want to get over my fear of large, extravagant roller coasters. When I ride roller coasters like the Gauntlet at Magic Springs, I shut my eyes tightly and wait for the nightmare to be over. One day I would like to ride those scary roller coasters and enjoy myself.

            There are many things I want to accomplish on my bucket list before I die, but by completing these five simple items I would die feeling satisfied.

O'Hara, Casey: Bucket List

“You only live once,” or YOLO, much to popular disbelief, does not mean getting eight-million tattoos, partying until a blackout, or going crazy for no reason. Horace stated ages ago, carpe diem, or seize the day. The way to live life to the fullest is to seize the day, and to achieve what you truly want instead of cliché ways to finish life. I started my bucket list because I knew that there were specific things I wanted to do before I died, and that it may take me a long time to finish. 

Ethnically, I am Irish and have always wanted to visit Ireland. I want to live in a cottage on a cliff in Ireland and raise sheep. I want to stand overlooking the churning waters below, and feel the seasons change as the wind blows.

 I want to travel to Buñol, Spain for the Tomatina festival which includes a city-wide tomato fight. People from all over the world flock to Buñol for the festival. This would be a wonderful ambition participating in a different culture and traveling.

With a population of less than 200, kakapos are on the critically endangered list. If it were not for humans in New Zealand introducing competitors to kakapos’ limited food supply, these birds would still be thriving. It’s everyone’s responsibility to repopulate this animal, and I would like to help this bird’s survival by volunteering in a kakapo nursery.

If there ever is another oil spill, I hope to be able to help clean it up. Like the kakapos, oil spills are human’s responsibility. It may not be I who caused the spill, but I will be there to help clean it up.

I want to SCUBA dive with a Mola mola, following one as it traverses through the depths of the ocean.

So yes, you may “only live once”, but it’s what you make of it that will determine if you truly lived or not.

Shaffer, Arin: Bucket List

Before my life ends there are a number of things I would like to do.  After carefully thinking it over I have narrowed it down to the Big Three. 

1.      Before my days are done I would like to go to a Summer Olympic Games held in the United States.  It would be great to have a home-country atmosphere and advantage at the Olympic Games.  If I were to go the games I would watch the United States’ basketball teams, volleyball teams, and track teams.  It would be a tremendous honor to be able to go to home Summer Olympic Games and be able to cheer on the USA’s teams. 

2.      Before my death I would like to meet the creator of Star Wars, George Lucas.  I have loved Star Wars ever since my mother showed the movies to me when I was six years old.  I would like to ask him about his other interests besides Star Wars and what inspired him to make Star Wars.  I’d like to ask his opinion of Star Trek and see if he dislikes it as much as I do. 

3.     My last item on my bucket list is a road trip down the east coast of the United States.  This summer I flew to Seattle and rode down the west coast with my aunt, uncle, and their two kids.  The road trip down the coast was scenic and beautiful.  We got to see the redwoods and as we cut through Arizona we also saw the Grand Canyon.  I believe it would be cool to get our two families together for a road trip down the east coast and go through tourist attractions like New York and Boston.  I would love to have another family trip like I had this summer with my family again someday. 

Plunk, Ashley: Bucket List

Before I die, I want to swim with dolphins and sharks. In movies and other media, you hear of people hanging on to dolphins and riding through the water on them. It has always looked so fun and exciting. Swimming with the sharks is a fear that I would love to conquer. It’s risky and dangerous and a total adrenaline rush.

Before I die, I want to travel to every single state in the United States of America. Each state has its own unique historic values and each offers something new to me. There are so many interesting things outside of Arkansas and Texas and I’d like to experience them all. I also like the idea of this because I can see and experience different climates and choose which one I would like the best for myself.

Before I die, I want to write a book. I have always had a passion for writing creatively and have actually already started on a book of my own. I will go by the name of “Ashleigh Heart”. That gives me somewhat of a new identity but still is along the lines of my original self.

Before I die, I want to skydive over New York City during rush hour. Once I land, I want to find a cab, get in, point to a car, and say, “follow that car,” because every cab driver is waiting for that day someone says that to them.

Before I die, I want to live in an extremely nice condominium upstate somewhere. In movies, you always see young people living in these awesome condos, all decked out in young, cool stuff! I’ve always been able to see myself in a place like that and I’d like to check it out one day.

Osborne, Ashley: Bucket List

            A lot of people go through life and when they get old, abandon their childhood dreams, or just dismiss them as unrealistic. They never live life to the fullest or take advantage of the little time they have left. I realize that there are so many people in the world who live and die every day; so many unnoticed people. Even if I don’t make a significant contribution to society, there are still some things I would like to accomplish before I pass on to something even greater. I mean, carpe diem, right?

            Skydiving, taking surfing lessons in Hawaii, traveling to exotic places, becoming the female Jimi Hendrix at guitar, and making my mark on this crazy place we call earth are a few of the things I would really like to do before I croak. Going skydiving is sort of a cliché item on a bucket list, but nevertheless, it seems like it would be a fun thing to do. Who wouldn’t want to jump out of a plane and hurtle towards the ground at an extreme speed? One day, when I finally get to go to Hawaii, I am definitely taking surfing lessons and it better be as fun as all those families in the movies make it out to be! I also would love to travel the world. I’ve always wanted to go to Italy because I enjoy the food and believe the culture is quite fascinating. Then, I want to visit England where my ancestors are from and learn about my roots followed by a visit to Australia, to see the awesome animals and to hear their accents. Next on the list, is to be able to jam on the guitar like a rockstar, my lifelong dream.  Last, but certainly not least, is simply my wish of being remembered in some way besides a grave stone.

Ngongoni, Shamiso: Bucket List

I am a person with many ambitions; the five that make my bucket list are inspired by my social background and academic interests.

First, I would like to be a pharmacist. A pharmacist associates with patients and helps in the proper administration of drugs to people. Pharmacists also offer counseling services and are able to assist in reducing the abuse of medicinal drugs. Second I want to go scuba diving and get a chance to view sea plants and animals. Coming from a landlocked country I am very curious about marine life. I would love to study marine biology and its significance to medical history.

                  I would like to visit the Vatican City, as a Catholic this place has a lot of religious significance to me. The Vatican holds a lot of Christian and scientific history. In addition to that, my favorite author Dan Brown wrote a book Angels and Demons set in Vatican City. His vivid description of the architecture and sculpture has sparked my desire to see all that beauty for myself.

In high school I got a chance to associate with mentally and physically handicapped children at a local school. I realized that people with disabilities are not recognized as worthy of an education or a career. I hope to start a non-profit organization that helps to train the disabled and provides employment depending on each person’s capability.

                  Lastly I would like to go sky diving. A few years ago I decided to face my fear of heights by challenging myself. Some of these challenges have been as small as taking the top bunk in sleeping arrangement to as daring as hill climbing. The last of these challenges shall be sky diving and I hope I enjoy the experience.

I hope I will be able to accomplish everything on this list. As I grow I hope to add more goals to this list as I scratch others off.

Lewis, Tyler: Bucket List

            I have never thought of creating a bucket list before this assignment, but after much thought I have decided on five things that I want to do before I die. The items on my bucket list are storm chasing, crossing the Atlantic Ocean by ship, traveling through a tropical rainforest, traveling across a desert, and to be noticed. 

              One item on my list is to chase a storm such as a tornado, hurricane, or a tropical storm.  The energy and power it takes to produce a storm of such magnitude astounds me. Another item that would be found on my list would be to cross the Atlantic Ocean by ship and see marine wildlife in their natural habitat instead of at Sea World or at the San Diego Zoo. 

            Another marvelous item on my list would be to travel through one of the many tropical rainforests on earth, so I can see the strange animals first hand and perhaps meet an existing tribe. Also I would like to walk across a desert and see for myself how animals and other living organisms have adapted to the harsh conditions.

            The last thing I want before I die is to be noticed for something great such as traveling through a rainforest. I want people to know me for being out going and having no fear. I don’t want to be noticed for never accepting a challenge or being afraid to try something new. Before I die, I want to be noticed.

            Creating a bucket list for the first the time was a bit challenging because I wanted it to be different from others and to actually have thought behind each individual item. I would feel a sense of accomplishment for my life when I do fulfill all the items on my bucket list.

Johnson, Cagen: Bucket List

My bucket list is fairly simple, a few small tasks that I wish to accomplish before I pass on. First, I would like to travel to all fifty states. Each state has something unique to offer, and I would like to experience them all. I wouldn’t feel right knowing I had died without even seeing everything the country I was born in has to offer. Second, I would like to have my grandpa’s 1969 Chevelle restored to factory condition. My grandfather has had this car since I was very young, and he has always had plans to restore it, but has never had the time to finish the job. Third, I would like to attend a Foo Fighters concert. I grew up listening to The Foo Fighters, and they’re still one of my favorite bands, so seeing them live would fulfill a childhood dream of mine. Another thing I would like to do before dying is to see the Dalai Lama while on one of his visits. Ever since I learned about him in a history class long ago, I’ve always wanted to see this man, see how he works, how he thinks, and speak with him if I can. I just mostly want to meet the man to see how much stock is in his legend. Last, I would like to leave a lasting impression on this planet for the good. It doesn’t have to be a large difference, though that would be nice, but I would like to leave the world a better place than it was before I was born. Though it would be nice to know I did something that changed the lives of millions for the better, just knowing that I changed at least one person’s life for the better is good enough for me.

Ibinola, Daniel: Bucket List

Expectation is the mother of fulfillment when determination is present. In response, the things that I plan to do on my bucket list are more like goals that I am determined to fulfill. Therefore, the first five things that I plan to do before I die are making a significant impact in the field of medicine as a cardiologist, owning a medical hospital, learning to play the guitar, visiting six of the wonders of the world, and having a family of my own.                                                                                                

          The human heart is an organ in the thoracic part of the body necessary for life. Because of how vast the study of the heart is, I am driven by awe to research it further.                                                                                                                                                                    

          Growth is an essential part of life. Owning my own hospital demonstrates growth and progress in making an impact.                                                                                                                                               

          The word, “wonder” instinctively makes the human race curious about the subject it is used on. It is my heart’s desire that I am able to see six of the wonders of the world which include Mount Everest, Victoria Falls, Grand Canyon, Pyramids of Egypt, Great Wall of China, and the leaning Tower of Pisa.                                                                                                                                                         

          Stringed instruments have always inspired me by the sound and melody they make. Learning how to play the guitar like a professional is one thing I would want to do before I die.                                 

          A popular Nigerian saying in direct translation says, “Home is where family is and family is a where home is.” I don’t want to leave this place called earth without having an heir to carry the good name and reputation I have worked all my life to achieve.                                                                                                      

 I would gladly wait for the arms of death to take me from earth when all of these expectations of mine have been met.

Hamal-Thakuri, Prajit: Bucket List

It’s one o’clock in the morning and I am struggling to write a paper having done with both composition classes. It is not that I cannot write a paper but now the question is on me and what I want out of the unlimited number of human desires. Now, I can tell that I am in the SAU honors class because it not only deals with what I learn but also what I think.

I always had a dream to become a Certified Public Accountant. I want to finish my Accounting degree within three years and want to sit for the test that makes me an accountant. Skydiving was always among my passion. So, before I go back to my country I would like to try skydiving and have an unforgettable experience.

            Owning a business is the most satisfying goal for people who have a business degree. Similarly, I want have my own business and run it with my experience and education. I want to focus on new business methods especially understanding consumer behavior. In addition, I want to get involved in the Nepal Chamber of Commerce and bring a dynamic and positive change to this well-known organization.

Even if I live in the most beautiful city and have an exciting job, nothing can replace the unique experiences that traveling offers. I usually get fascinated when I meet with new people and visit new places. Traveling all round the world is on my bucket list. Traveling provides me the chance to get out of my regular routine and to embrace new cultures. Moreover, paragliding and bungee jumping are the adventures sports that I want to experience in my lifetime.

Learning a second language is an item that appears on almost everyone's bucket list. Even those who are already multilingual usually want to learn more languages. I can speak Hindi, English and a bit of Spanish other than my mother tongue Nepali. Learning a new language also appears on my bucket list.

A bucket list is not only a list written on a piece of paper for me. It reflects what I want and I will use my full potential to achieve the items on it.

Godwin, Domonique: Bucket List

            When thinking about the things I want to do before I die my mind reels back to the movie The Bucket List and to how Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman decide to go on this amazing adventure to complete their bucket lists before they die. As a result, I formed my own bucket list and I can anticipate my own adventures.

            I have always wanted to go to Italy. More specifically: I would like to go gondola riding in Venice, where the streets are made of water and romance fills the air. Second, I want to get married in a field of yellow flowers and in the middle of June. I just hope it is not raining when it comes time for me to say “I do.” Then again, it could make for an interesting story to tell the grandchildren someday. Like many people, I would like to go skydiving before I die. My stepfather and I have planned jump sometime soon. Unfortunately, he is almost blind due to his diabetes so I’m not sure if I will ever be able to cross this off of my bucket list. If I were able to do it, I'd conquer my fear of heights. As the fourth goal on my bucket list, I would love to travel to Germany to visit my good friend Lisa. She was a foreign exchange student my high school and she continues to be my close friend after she went home. Finally, I would enjoy going on the perfect date: a drive-in movie theater where an old movie like Dirty Dancing would be playing.

            Coasting through life without goals and ambition is beyond boring and I am anything but boring. Completing these items on my bucket list would add flavor and adventure to my life.

Chavez, Jasmin: Bucket List

The reality of life is that we have a short amount of time in this world and we must take advantage by living life to its fullness. My first step to this is to attend law school at the University of Texas at Austin because I love helping people during difficult times and needs as well as putting the time and effort into solving difficult situations.  The other reason is, I am a die heart fan of the Longhorns and I am completely in love with the city of Austin.

My second goal is visiting the continent of Europe, because Europe as a whole has an abundant influence on the Western Hemisphere and also because of the rich culture within these countries, for example the love stories of England, the Roman Catholic Church of Italy, the romantic scenery of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the effect of World War II in Germany, and my background tracing back to Spain. My third goal is learning how to dance Tango, Salsa, and Ballroom simply because dancing is an enjoyable hobby to have as well as a useful social skill.

The next one is something I have always dreamt of, which is to form a happy family with the person I love because this is the kind of life I want, surrounded by love and care. My last but not least important is to have a positive impact on the people around me because I want my life to be spent on helping people and not on being selfish or materialistic. I hope in the future I can accomplish all of my goals and never wonder “what if?” when I could have actually done what I wanted to do, because as the saying goes “you only live once."

Canada, Trent: Bucket List

  Throughout my life I have traveled, auditioned for reality shows, and attended large sporting events but before I kick the bucket I want to experience some eccentricities. Some of the things I wish to do before I die include attending an Olympic event in a foreign country, seeing a president inaugurated, experiencing a live eruption of a volcano, backpacking across Europe, and singing on a stage for an audience of millions.

I want to attend an Olympic event due to the absolute passion and effort the athletes put into each of their sports. I have watched the past two Olympics on television with amazement and awe at the culture and diversity represented and want to see those firsthand.  I would like to witness the Presidential inauguration to see history take its course. The thought of being in the crowd during the President's oath and witnessing such a historical event is exhilarating. Next I want to experience a live eruption of a volcano, and hopefully not be harmed. To watch a volcano erupt would be quite fascinating to me due to the sheer force and power that nature can create. Backpacking across Europe has been a goal of mine since I was very young. I have always dreamed of visiting the cities of Europe such as Paris, London, Berlin, and Madrid because of the food, culture and people there. Finally, the rush of the lights, cameras, and people urging me on while I perform is another accomplishment I would like to experience.

Hopefully I have a long life ahead of me and time to fulfill these goals and experience the thrill of completing my bucket list. For most this list would seem impossible but with the right mindset and drive to achieve them I believe that I can accomplish them all.

Beel, Kaylee: Bucket List

            John Lennon once stated, “Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.” The problem is that most of us do not realize this until it is too late. The bucket list was created in order for people to accomplish their life goals before they die. My own personal bucket list consists of five things I plan to have done before I “kick the bucket.”

            #1: Deliver a baby. Throughout my whole life I have had an obsession with children, the younger the better. I find the miracle of life fascinating. Being a part of something so extraordinary would have so much meaning to me. Having the power to help bring forth life into the world is an experience not many people get. I believe delivering babies is something I am destined to take part in.

            #2: Live in Europe for a year. The main attractions I’m interested in seeing include: the Eiffel tower, Plitvice National Park, the Swiss Alps, and the Albanian Riviera. I also want to eat every Italian delicacy I can get my hands on. The most beautiful places in the world are in Europe, and I’m a sucker for beauty.

            #3: Open my own cupcake bakery. Sweets are my weak spot, and cupcakes top the list. I’ve always dreamed of opening up a small cupcake boutique with hundreds of unique flavored cupcakes. I would decorate, bake, and manage the establishment on my own.

            #4: Learn to play the piano: Music is a tool I use when I become too stressed out. Listening to an old pianist helps calm my nerves. The piano produces the most amazing sounds I have ever heard, and I would love to be able to create such perfection.

            #5: Find my life’s passion. There are many things I enjoy doing, but I have yet to find something I am passionate about. Before I die, I hope to take part in an activity or interest that truly exceeds all of my expectations. Having a passion in life is important and is something I intent to acquire.