Honors College Report

Honors College Report

3 December 2014

Activities and News:

• The Honors College will graduate nine students in December
• Three students, Casey O'Hara, Addison Ochs, and Kara O'Neal attended the annual meeting of the National Collegiate Honors Council in November. They presented their honors project: Building a Saltwater Aquarium.
• Dr. Kardas also attended the meeting and presented a poster on the partnership with Empowered.com. 
• Last week Dr. Rankin paid his last visit as president to the Honors Seminar class. He spoke about the serendipitous moments in his career including his decision to found the Honors College. 
• Honors College t-shirts are now available at $12 each. See or call David Wingfield, Nelson 200/x4375. 
• The SAU Research Committee funded an Honors College proposal: Database for Honors Research. That project will collect published research in honors and store them on a database, served from the Honors College office, enabling scholars to more easily access research on honors education.
• SAU enrollment in honors this fall was 213 students.

Rankin's Farewell Visit to Honors Seminar

Dr. Rankin makes a point about the SAU Budget

Dr. David Rankin paid his annual visit to the Honors Seminar class today. It was likely his last visit as SAU's president.

Rankin spoke about how a fellow president inspired him to create the Honors College shortly after the completion of what is now the Honors Hall. The SAU Honors College was a fasttrack project that began operations shortly afterward, thanks in large part, to faculty buy in and cooperation.

He told students how he backed into an academic life following a lecture he gave in graduate school and a suggestion from a professor that he think about teaching finance.

A chance meeting with Louis Blanchard led to an offer by Imon Bruce, SSC's president, to come to Magnolia. Rankin accepted Bruce's offer (at $8,040 per year!) and the rest is history.

Rankin stated he never imagined he would get the opportunity to serve as SAU's president and, now, 14 years later he is ready to step down. He quoted Kenny Rogers, "You gotta know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em."

Rankin spoke briefly on the presidential search saying that there will be a period of transition, "to pass the baton" was the metaphor he used. He will work with the new president to ensure that there is no gap in leadership.

Later, he opened the floor for questions and comments. Students asked if the honors stipend might be raised, if the cafeteria could serve more fruits and vegetables, and if the library could have longer hours.

Hopefully, SAU's next president will be as committed to honors education as Dr. Rankin has been. The SAU Honors College is his child, a fact that will never be forgotten.

Thank you, Dr. Rankin, for all you have done for SAU and the Honors College.

NCHC Poster 2014

Two attendees at the 2014 NCHC annual meeting read SAU's poster

Kardas' poster "Developing and Assessing an iPad App for Honors General Psychology" was part of NCHC's first-ever Faculty Poster Session.

The poster detailed SAU's experience in developing an iPad app with in partnership with a technology firm (Empowered.com, now part of Qualcomm).

On Our Way to NCHC 2014

Casey O'Hara, Addison Ochs, and Kara O'Neal at DFW

Our trip began badly. Expedia booked us on a nonexistent flight and failed to e-mail us that the flight was no more. So, we arrived early for our 1:20 pm flight only to discover that we had just missed the morning flight by half an hour.

American rebooked us for a 6:10 pm flight. We had to kill time in Texarkana; we ate at Jimmy Johns and then saw movies. Kara and the Kardas' saw Mazerunner while Addison and Casey took in Fury.

After, we walked around the mall before catching our late plane. In Dallas, we had a two-hour layover so we dined at Pappacitos before catching our fully booked flight to Denver.

We arrived in Denver just after 10 pm MST. Hopefully, the rest of our trip will be less eventful. There is a meeting of the Research Committee Friday. On Saturday, all will be in action with the students presenting at breakfast and Kardas presenting a poster from 1 to 3.

Honors College t-shirts

Michelle Beavers models the 2014 Honors College t-shirt

If you have not yet heard, the 2014 Honors College t-shirts are in. If you ordered one, come pick it up at the Honors Office. They are $12.

If you DID NOT order one, e-mail Kiley Anderson at:
 
KNAnderson2405@MULERIDERS.SAUMAG.EDU

Milkweed

Milkweed (Asclepias sp.)

Found some milkweed (aka butterfly plant) in town today; bought two. I'll plant those somewhere near the house. Honors College will try to get more for its new public service project--planting milkweed on campus to help raise the number of monarch butterflies in this part of the country.

Everett, Delora: Bucket List

A major part of my bucket list would be just simply paying off debts and at the same time helping people who are in need. Being able to give back to my community is important to me. Where I am from not many people are fortunate to even make it to college. I would enjoy being able to help out others financially and not have them struggle as much as I did.

I also want to travel big time. I really wish to visit Germany before going anywhere else. I’m so drawn to going there that I am even learning to speak German. The other places I wish to visit include: France, Central Africa, Japan, and Spain. 

 I’d also like to have a job as a psychologist. Having a job that pays well plays a big part in my bucket list because without one, I would be not able to give much back or even travel for that matter. I want to be the best of the best too, have people come to me for help and information, and I will answer the unanswerable. That would be definitely great. Discovering a solution to an unsolvable problem or issue would be a highlight of my life.

Last but not least, I want to learn magic tricks. Its super fun watching a magician perform and I’ve always been interested in actually doing it since I was young. It seems as though everyone loves magic. How could anyone not enjoy it? Magic is great.

My bucket list is one that shows a bit of my personality and inner wishes.   I believe most bucket lists do the same because they show a people’s inner desires that they wish to accomplish before death. I believe my list is pretty simple even though many items don’t correlate to each other at all. I feel as though I would be able to accomplish all things on my bucket list before I die.

Hinton, Cade: Bucket List

The best thing about life is being able to accomplish all the things we, as people, have always wanted to do. Some people want to go to the moon, whereas I would rather live on a simpler side of life.  Going to the moon seems like fun, but I do have some common sense. I know that I am very unlikely to do something as extravagant as that, so my two bucket list items are becoming either an Oncologist or an Endocrinologist and to travel the world.  

Becoming one of these doctors is very important for me. My dad is a Type One diabetic and there is a good chance I will be too.  So, it would really benefit me to be an Endocrinologist. I also have had many family members die from cancer. I really just want to be able to help someone in need and to hopefully find a cure for either of these two things.  Also, it would be really nice to make that kind of money. But as of right now, I am looking at being an Oncologist.  

Traveling around the world would also be really nice. I have always wanted to visit Rome, Venice, Greece, and to drive the autobahn. I really just want to visit them for the sightseeing and the food. I have traveled some around the country, but the only time I have left the United States has been to go to Canada, and I did not like the cold weather.

Overall, I just want to do something important with my life. I only have one life and I might as well do something great with it!

Zoa, Line: Bucket List

I had never thought of writing down all the things that I would like to do before I die until today. I am a business oriented person, and I would rather write business plans for the long-term businesses I would like to establish in a few years, writing them makes them more real and pushes me to work towards them. In other words, I try to move from the project phase to the achievement phase by planning in a consistent manner. Most of the things I want to do in life revolve about the wellbeing of others; others are related to my life interests and hobbies.

I have always wanted to become a Medical Doctor because of an urge to help people to be healthy. Health is the most precious gift in life and being healthy and alive is really all anyone can ask for. I want to use my knowledge and skills to improve health around the world.

Aside from being a medical doctor, I want to have another profession. I love fashion and want to design clothes based on African stories and cultures. I would love to have a clothing line and have a chain of restaurants in different cities of my beautiful country, Cameroon.

My goal in life is to use education as my tool in becoming a productive member of society. One way to play a part in society is to make others happy. I imagine a world where most children have access to education and healthcare, especially orphans found in developing countries. I would like to help by building healthcare centers and creating an organization for young children who are interested in socio-economic activities and leadership skills.

I want to travel around the world and visit the Seven Wonders of the World. I want to visit Greece, Egypt, Italy, Turkey and many more places.

I cannot predict the future, but I am hoping and praying that God gives me longer days, strength, and determination to accomplish my goals.

Ciurcina, Mariana: Bucket List

Every human being has a bucket list either in mind or written down. The main idea of a bucket list is to choose things to do before dying. Having a bucket list helps visualize life goals. It takes hard work to achieve those goals. Therefore, I would like to share ten things I want to do before I die.

The first thing I would like to do is skydiving. I am the type of girl who likes to take risks; not many others would want to skydive because it is very risky. I think it would be an unforgettable experience. The second thing I would like to do is learn how to surf. I am a beach person, and I would love to spend hours and hours at a beach playing in the water. Moreover, I am also a big soccer fan; so I would like to meet a few famous soccer players such as, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, and Ozil. This is definitely one the most important things of my bucket list.

The fourth thing is traveling to Hawaii. I think it is the most beautiful and peaceful island in the world, so I hope I get the opportunity to go there sometime before I die. The fifth thing is going to Six Flags. There are so many fun rides that I am sure it would also be a great experience. The sixth thing, I would like to go to New York City, the city that never sleeps.

The seventh thing is swimming with dolphins. They are my favorite animal, so I would like to be able to see them closely and touch them. Besides, dolphins are beautiful and friendly. The eighth thing is attending a music festival because I love listening to music and dancing. Also I would like to shark dive in the Bahamas. It may sound scary, but I actually think it would be an awesome experience. 

Last but not least, I would like to donate a large amount of money to poor and homeless people. Everybody in the world deserves to have a home, and I would be more than happy to change at least one person’s life. All these things mentioned before, were ten of many more goals I am working on achieving before I die. It is important to visualize your dreams, so go ahead and make your own bucket list if you have not done it yet!

Bolick, Ethan: Bucket List

         Life has many stages. These stages come with many new experiences. Some lead to the formation of a bucket list. My bucket list includes writing a music album, traveling to different countries, and scoring under 70 in a round of golf.

         At heart I am a musician. I play guitar primarily and also play bass, drums, and ukulele. I love to write and play music—it is my passion. I have previously written a song; it seemed very natural to me. My friends and I play music quite often, and we plan to record an album. Being the entrepreneur, I plan to write the music myself because it would make the album completely original. 

         Throughout high school, I had the privilege of traveling all over Texas, Arkansas, and as far as Indiana. These experiences formed a love for traveling, which is part of the reason I chose my major, marketing. I would thoroughly enjoy traveling anywhere, but the two places I mostly want to visit are Italy and New Zealand. The cultures of both countries fascinate me and I would love to experience them in person.

         I have developed a passion for playing sports throughout my life. I play golf mostly, however I also play disc golf, ultimate frisbee, tennis, and basketball. In golf, I score 100 on average. I plan to dedicate much time to golf after I retire. I would love to play a round of golf and score under 70, a score most professional golfers routinely score. 

         Peoples’ bucket lists reflect their personality to others. My bucket list displays the activities and entertainment I enjoy in life. Although others don’t achieve every goal on their bucket lists, I will complete every task on my list. I believe all should have a bucket list because it pushes them to experience life fully.

DissouOgoula, Laetitia: Bucket List

          The Oxford Dictionary defines a bucket list as: “bucket list- noun; a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime.” As an extremely goal oriented person, I have always kept a bucket list of the main things I want and must accomplish during my lifetime.

          The first item on my list is becoming a successful doctor, specifically a pediatrician. I have always been passionate about the medical field, and because of my love for kids I have chosen pediatrics. Even though I have not made a choice about becoming a simple pediatrician, a pediatric surgeon, or a pediatric neurosurgeon, I am sure that I want to deal with the medical care of children. 

          The second element of my list is building a family. What would be a complete life without a family? I believe that family is one of the most important things in a human being’s life. In a few years, I see myself happily married with someone who loves and respects me.  Also, I see myself as a mother of three or four children. I want to give them the best education possible and insure that my husband and I provide all the necessities for their education and flourishing. 

          The third component of my list is creating an organization that will help disadvantaged people. In other words, I want to help people having a hard time to survive and make something good out of their lives. I see people unable to have a decent life because they are poor or because they lost everything. One of the organization’s goals will be to give destitute people a second chance, a hope, and a reason to smile. Another main goal will be to help children from those poor families get a good education, so they can have a chance of future success. Growing up, I have seen people living in really bad conditions and children with no chances of ever putting their feet in a school. So, I have developed a love for helping others around me. Indeed, I am one of those who believe that being humble, helpful, and loving should be a part of everybody’s life. 

          The fourth and last item on my list is to take part in some extreme sports and activities. Those include scuba diving, bungee jumping, skydiving, and Jetlev. I also want to swim with dolphins, a less extreme pleasure.  I have always been a lover of such intense sensations. Most of my friends believe I am a little crazy, but the love for extreme activities is just a part of me. Indeed, I am planning to do some of them this school year.

          I pretty much gave an idea of what I want to accomplish, and I will do all the possible to achieve them. However, I wonder about how long the list of things I do not want to do might be.

Smith, Aliyah: Bucket List

A bucket list is a written out list of objectives or goals people want to complete during their lifetime. Some have extreme objectives while others choose a more gentle approach.  Bucket lists can also tell you about a person. Some people’s goals have a deeper meaning while others goals are only the things they want to do.

The first item on my bucket list is to take a vacation to Disney World with my family.  Family is important to me and Disney World seems to be a very fun and entertaining theme park. I love nearly all of the Disney characters including Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Daisy. I love the Disney movies just as much as the characters. Lion King is my ultimate all-time favorite movie. It would bring me great joy to be in a place with all my favorite childhood memories along with my favorite people.

Next on my list is, a week-long trip to Barcelona. It is a beautiful place, or seems so from the pictures I’ve seen. I’ve wanted to go there since I saw the movie Cheetah Girls 2. I also like Spanish culture. My Spanish teacher taught us culture as well as the language. He encouraged me to try out for the Spanish Culture Bowl Team at regional competition. Luckily, I made it and won first place. Competing taught me more about the Spanish Culture and made me want to visit Spain even more. A trip to Barcelona would be thrilling and educational. I would like to learn about its history and the everyday life of its people.

My next item is my dream job, nurse practitioner. I want to become a nurse practitioner because I love helping and caring for others. I’ve always put others ahead of me. I would like to open my own clinic and specialize in pediatrics. My job would pay well but the money is only a small incentive. I truly have a caring heart and would like to give back to others with my services.

 

My last item on my bucket list is very special to me. I want to buy my mother her dream house. I’ve promised her this since I was a little girl. I plan on keeping that promise and making it come true. It’ll be one of the ways I’ll show my appreciation to her. She holds a special place in my heart. I can’t repay her for everything she’s done, but it would be the least I can do. I want to make her proud of me but even more so I want to give her what she deserves.

My bucket list isn’t that extravagant and long. It’s basically the small things I want to do before I get to an age where I can’t do anything.  I hope I can complete my list before retirement.  My list should have shown my interest in education, different cultures, enjoyment of theme parks, and my love for people.

Hathcock, Hannah: Bucket List

People always say, “Life is short, so make the most of it.” I never realized how short life actually is until last year when my mom unexpectedly passed away. She was only 44 years old. The sudden loss of my mother at such a young age has made me want to live my life to the fullest. To help keep track of my life goals I have created a “bucket list” for myself. My real bucket list is quite long, but for the sake of everyone’s time, I will narrow it down to the most important items.

            As an aspiring art major, I want to complete the Studio Art track at Southern Arkansas University and then pass the certification for teaching. However, my first choice in the career field will be working for an art-related company. If this does not work, I will have the teaching certificate to fall back on. If fate has it that I become a teacher, I will further my education to become an art professor. After this I will hope to find a job with the Arkansas Razorbacks, simply because my mother was an over-the-top Razorback fan and I want to honor her memory. Achieving this goal will also make me extremely happy and proud of myself, along with knowing my mom would be proud of me. 

            On a different note, another item on my bucket list is to vacation in Cozumel, Mexico. Cozumel is known for its awe inspiring underwater reefs which I would like to scuba dive. Of course, I would have to first learn how to scuba dive. I plan to dive only after I master the skill and trust myself enough to not let this bucket list goal be my last. While I explore the marvelous reefs of Cozumel I plan to take as many underwater pictures as possible, as I have a thing for photographing nature. Like my aspiration to work in the artistic side of industry, or become an art professor, this goal of exploring Cozumel’s beauty is for my profound interest in nature. Accomplishing both goals would make my mom proud, which helps push me to make my dreams reality.

Gc, Manisha: Bucket List

Every person has different hopes and expectations in their life that they want to pursue and achieve. Some people think about living a regular and simple life where they have a job with office hours of 10:00am to 5:00pm and a happy family. Other people think about being some big personality because their parents want them to be. Then, there are some who just want to live every day of their life with new hopes, expectations, and adventures in new places. They just want to face whatever comes in their lives without any worries and fears. Like every other person, I do have my bucket list that I would like to fulfill during my lifetime that will make my life worth living and let me die with no worries and regrets.

                 The first and foremost dream on the top of my bucket list is to get into one of the top medical schools in USA and graduate with the prefix “Dr.” in front of my name. That will the payoff for all the struggle and sacrifices that my parents have undergone to make my dream come true. I don’t want to be just a regular doctor whose day starts in a clinic or hospital and ends at the same place, a doctor with a normal, simple, and happy life. I want to be on top. I want to be the one who performs the miracles and creates hope and faith in people. I don’t want to be limited to only one clinic, nursing home, or hospital. I want to be the one who everybody talks about and demands to see because of my hardworking and mesmerizing performance.

         The second item on my bucket list is to provide my parents with all those things they deserve and dream about but cannot pursue it because they have sacrificed to fulfill my desires. I want to make my dad free from all responsibilities and allow him to live his life on his own without any worries and the burden of taking care of others. After that I want to have some time for myself in order to paraglide, jet sky, scuba dive, fight my fear of heights and water, and enjoy my life to fullest.

            The third item on my list is to go for a world tour which starts from the most beautiful places of my country where I have never been able to visit: the glorious natural beauty of Pokhara; the birthplace of Lord Buddha Lumbini, the place of peace; and camping in Solukhumbu the site of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. Then, I will probably be ready to have a peaceful death.

Jett, Emily: Bucket List

Death is something no one can escape; choose to face it head on by making the remaining years left meaningful. Those who do so should have no reason to fear death. As Mark Twain once said, “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” As far as my personal bucket list goes, I would like to join the Vans Warped Tour for a summer and be successful in my career choice.

            The Vans Warped Tour is a huge event that includes bands from all over the United States. I’ve attended the tour for four years but now I want to be a part of it as a merchandiser. Doing so would give me the opportunity to meet the musicians who inspire me and to listen to amazing music all summer.

            A degree in computer science leaves someone with a lot of options: computer programming, software engineering, or providing computer support. The one that appeals most to me, though, is game programming. Video games have always been something I enjoyed and creating my own game would be unreal. I want to produce a game that enchants and captivates others to play, just like my favorite games did for me. Being a game programmer is my dream job and it would provide financial stability.

            My bucket list is short and to the point, nonetheless it contains two of my most important goals. Most people might wish to become millionaires or have “cookie cutter” families; all I want is to be happy and create precious memories that I can look back on when my time has come.

Tucker, Cyrus: Bucket List

         A “Bucket List” is a list of items a person wishes to accomplish before they kick the so called “Bucket.” These wishes often consist of completely absurd things and are usually highly dangerous to boot. I, on the other hand, have seemingly simple wishes that have a very sentimental meaning to me. 

         Number one on my list is to stand in the middle of the Northern Lights and let myself be completely taken aback by the beauty of the event. This item was inspired by a branch of my family that lives in Alaska and who have taken trips to areas where the Northern Lights are prevalent and have taken many great photographs of these events. I’m very jealous of them and where they live.

         Number two on my list is to drive a Bugatti Veyron on the autobahn. The autobahn are highways in Germany with no speed limit. Obviously, that allows drivers to ride as fast as their cars will allow them, which to me is absolutely amazing. I cannot possibly imagine anything more fulfilling than that.

         Number three, the last item on this very short list, is to travel every continent and to at least learn ten different languages. This is important to me because I really wish to understand the world, its people, and its cultures. To do this it is imperative that I speak many languages, then I could communicate with the people of world and maybe understand things like wars, different religions, and civil rights differences.

         Many of these things may not amount much to others people’s expectations but to me these are actual things that I intend to do in life. I was always told to complete a goal no matter what so that is what I shall do.

Edwards, Ethan: Bucket List

                  Being a young adult, I am open minded and full of imaginative ideas. Like most people, I have a bucket list. Mine, however, consists of pretty outrageous goals. Among the most are: playing in a punk rock band at Vans Warped Tour, inspiring people with the music I create, and marrying the perfect woman.

                  Ever since I took guitar lessons I have been fascinated with music and how it is created. The idea of playing music in front of a large crowd grew as my playing ability increased. Bouncing between genres, I found punk rock to be my favorite, the genre mostly played at Vans Warped Tour. Playing shows there in my own punk rock band would be first on my bucket list, but inspiring my fans would be a close second.

                  Because I am so fascinated with music, I like to create my own and experiment with my unique sound. The app, GarageBand, has helped me organize my music, and hopefully one day I can share it with the world. I would be overjoyed to inspire and help people with difficult life situations with my lyrics.

                  Although it may not seem that crazy to most people, the last goal on my bucket list is to marry the perfect woman. It seems impossible to find someone who will be faithful and treat their spouse right. Although I have only been in a few serious relationships, I have learned that some women do not care for me as much as they say they do, only telling me things I want to hear in order for them to get what they want.  Finding the perfect woman is definitely close to the top of my list.

                  My bucket list may not be like most others with skydiving and making lots of money at the top, but the goals in it are surely imaginative. I believe that if I put all of my heart and soul into it, I can achieve every one of these goals and complete my bucket list.

Williams, Jessica: Bucket List

            When I first sat down and tried to think of my bucket list, I realized I did not have specific things in mind. Who does not have a set of ideas of things they would like to conquer before they die? Well, I did not. Then it came to me, I am terrified of most things other people put on their lists such as: sky diving, cliff hanging and scuba diving. That led me to see that the one major item on my bucket list is overcoming my fears. 

            I do, however, have other things on my list: becoming fluent in German. After living in Germany six months that is one of them. I took one year of German in high school and loved it. In addition, I briefly studied their manners and etiquette. I want to take a deeper look at their customs. While in Germany I could mark some traveling off of my list as well. I want to be able to understand other people and their cultures. Nothing seems to fascinate me more.

            I cannot leave out learning how to play chess and learning how to box. Strategy and performance are two of my favorite things, and from what I have seen both of those require each. 

            That, in a nutshell, would have to be my bucket list. I am sure as I get older I will find even more tasks that I would like to be able to accomplish, but for now that is it. Bucket lists are intended to make people feel validation that they have accomplished something in their life that they never thought they could do or was only fantasies. I can say that my bucket list would allow me to feel that validation.

Alfryji, Noaf: Bucket List

-->

My bucket list is kind of empty because the things I had asked the Almighty Allah already, I have  received. I prayed to have a good and educated wife, with the same personality as mine, and here she is supporting and encouraging me to break the hard stones required to achieve my goals. Also, she gave birth to the most adorable baby boy in the whole world. I again thank Allah for these gifts.

Also, I had dreamed to go and study abroad, especially in the United States. Due to what I heard and had seen from the movies, the high standard of education and the quality of training inspired me travel to the USA. Now, I am studying in one of the best universities in the state and interacting with top students in the most beautiful and quiet town in southern part of Arkansas.

The remaining items on my ‘bucket list’ include going on adventure trips, especially camping in the forest, mountain hiking, and sky diving. After, I wish to roam around the world with my little family.

Later, I wish to build an organization that helps needy people around the world, no matter what their religion and nationality. Helping people is the great thing because the Almighty Allah has advised us to do that, in return he will bless us for our whole lives.

Another thing is I wish to own a vintage sports car. I would love to have my own collection of them, or at least to have one.

Lastly, I wish to raise my children according to Allah’s desire, give them a good education, and ascertain that a good future lies ahead for them. Most importantly is to give and show them love for I believe that it will help to make this world a better place.

Davis, Gabrielle: Bucket List

Many individuals might consider my bucket list to be somewhat typical; however, my bucket list is quite unique. My future endeavors consist of facing fears, exploring historical landmarks, and remaining dedicated to service while creating enjoyable life experiences. I would like to visit the Eiffel Tower on my honeymoon, visit all 50 states while contributing to non-profit organizations, and shave my head bald in a donation to the Cancer Society. 

One of my greatest aspirations is to elevate to the top of the Eiffel Tower to mentally capture the city of Paris. I always dreamt of traveling to Paris, but I have recently discovered an interest in photographing beauty. In this adventure I hope to also capture peace photographically while beginning my new journey.  

For many years I have witnessed how non-profit organizations struggle with budgets which hinders their efficiency. As a result of my own personal relationships with such groups, I have decided to travel to all 50 states to make donations to non-profit organizations, especially those that are newly established.

In the past year, a close family member was affected by cancer. I have great empathy for those so suffering. I hope to shave my head bald one day in order to donate my hair to the Cancer Society. Additionally, I hope to wear my natural look through the entire recovering process. 

A bucket list is stem filled with signs of fear, uncertainty, and shame. However, humankind will never live up to the standards of one another. My bucket list enables me to conquer my fears while enjoying myself at the same time.

Tong, Tian Jun: Bucket List

-->

Waking up every morning, I’m working on the list of things that I want to achieve. Out of that long list, two of them are a must for me to fulfill before I die.

The first thing is I wanted to do is to handle at least one dog that wins the title of number one dog of the year in the United States. Being a dog show enthusiast, I always enjoy my moment in the show ring with my furry partners. But the achievements I’m looking forward to are far more challenging than just being in the competition. I can see myself flying for a year with my show dog from coast to coast and city to city just to chase that title. The adrenalin rush during the shows, the fatigue of intensive traveling, and the hard work of grooming will all be paid off when I see the dog I’m handling ranked number one on the All Breed chart. I want to have a photo of me and the dog snapped and the stories of how we fought for and won the title will be shared in my family from generation to generation.

The second thing I would want to do is to own a mini farm. There, I will keep chickens, ducks, and goats. I would also grow some fruit trees and have a big fishpond as well. Every morning I will wake up to feed the animals, spend the afternoon cleaning up their living areas, and spend my evenings making sure everything is in place before I go to bed. During my free time, I will pick fruit from my trees. I will keep some for myself and the rest will be shared with my family and friends. Giant kois will be the main fish species in my pond, swimming gracefully, and showing off themselves to me every morning when I feed them.

All of these might seem nothing to most people, but I know once I achieved them, there will be no regret after my last breath.

Schroeder, Jordan: Bucket List

Let’s start small. My name is Jordan Heléna Schroeder and the smallest item on my bucket list is a piano. Even though it is not actually small, it’s probably more of a possibility than my other bucket list items. I have wanted a piano for a very long time because I’ve taken piano lessons since I was seven years old. I always loved the instrument, how it sounded, how I played; I envied other pianists who were better than me, that motivated me to try to be even better. It doesn’t really matter what kind of piano it is, as long as it is of good quality. I know that I need a piano in my home someday.

The next items on my list are less likely to occur and much more adventurous than staying inside and playing the piano. I would love to travel the world, specifically places in Europe such as London, Venice, and Rome. I love the culture, architecture, and cuisine. Reading about all those things over the years have made me ready to pack my bags and leave on a whim. While I’m traveling the world, I’d like to take another adventure and go scuba diving to some beautiful coral reefs or tropical waters. Swimming used to be a big part of my life because my grandparents lived on a lake and I felt like I practically lived in the water, so scuba diving is a must.

The last item on my list doesn’t really benefit me, but it’s something that I’ve dreamed of. It’s not selfish like my other bucket list items. I would love to go on an extended mission trip for at least six months. I was always very involved with my church but haven’t ever had the chance recently to make an impact in people’s physical and spiritual lives. 

All of these things are significant to me in different ways, however, being content and happy with my career, my marriage and my life, whatever comes with it, are the highest priorities on my bucket list.

Obidigbo Nzeribe: Bucket List

                  Jodi Pilcout in her best-selling novel  Handle with Care wrote “I wondered about the explorers who sailed their ships to the end of the world. How terrified they must have been when they risked falling over the edge; how amazed to discover, instead, places they had seen only in their dreams.”  For me, Growing up in Nigeria was very different from what the media portrays as life in Africa. It was a mix of cultures and influences (both local and western); listening to music from Fela, Tuface and Asa while mixing it up with music from Bruno Mars, Bon Jovi and Kanye West, watching CNN and watching NTA (Nigerian News). But as the years passed I realized that watching and listening could never be as real as being there, and so were my dreams - dreaming could never feel as good as accomplishing them. I believe that is the same way the explorers Jodi Pilcout wrote about felt, actually seeing the world they had only previously seen in their subconscious minds. That is the way I want to feel before I die, having accomplished my dreams.

                  The first thing on my bucket list is to meet my mentor Chinua Achebe, this is a dream which is very unattainable because Chinua Achebe died last year but if the concept of life after death works in my favor then that means death would not be a barrier but a bridge toward completing my bucket list.

                  Another one of my big dreams is to be as good a photographer as Ansel Adams or Alfred Stieglitz. I have always had a flair for photography since I was able to hold a camera and going into professional photography either part-time or full-time would be a dream come true.

                  I was that kid in the neighborhood who would always mix up a bunch of food and try to convince my friends that it was the new cuisine I had created. Or, I was the kid who spent hours in front of a computer screen trying to figure out what kind of big software I would create, or who would spend endless hours trying to write a novel that would get national recognition, Yes, I was that kid who wanted to be famous somehow responsible and Yes, I am still “that kid”, and it would be a great joy to me if I could somehow invent something that would be used all over the world.

                  If life is not lived well, according to what an individual defines as “well” then it is wasted. I believe so much in the French saying “La vie est belle” which translates to “life is beautiful” so the last things on my bucket list are to enjoy my life well and to recognize that every life is in fact beautiful no matter how small it is. I hope to complete these things before I die.

"We only live once but if we do it right then once is enough”- Mae West.