Gibbs, Kira: Bucket List

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There are many times where I have had the opportunity to sit down and listen to a variety of people explain to me their nearly-reached goals and future dreams. Whenever I do, I gradually come to the point where I end up just “hearing” what has been said, instead of actually listening. Not because what I’m being told is boring; on the contrary it’s intriguing which makes me wonder what I want to do in life. I would like to do the most exciting things first, of course, which eventually leads me to thinking about a bucket list. 

The first goal on my bucket list is to announce “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!” on the show Saturday Night Live. My father and I habitually watch it nearly every Saturday night. I am just amazed at the talent that this show produces, as well as the many jokes and infamous lines that are delivered. 

The second item listed on my bucket list is to act as a participant on the show Impractical Jokers. I’ve seen this show only a handful of times, but I’ve enjoyed all occasions, and I think it would just be a blast to participate in the show.

The third goal on my bucket list is to portray Belle from Beauty and the Beast in some kind of live action performance, whether it be Disneyland, or in a play. Belle is my absolute favorite Disney princess, and I’d always admired her when I was a young girl.

My next goal is to visit all the big amusement parks around the world. I absolutely love amusement parks and believe they are so much fun.                                                                                     

My final goal is is to own a bear; preferably a Giant Panda bear. This is my favorite animal and I believe I would enjoy owning one very much.

Matthews, McKenzie: Bucket List

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 For the past year my entire self has been focused on just getting into college and covering the cost, after that I haven’t really considered my major goals for the future. Of course graduating, being successful in my chosen profession, and earning enough money to keep food in the cabinet are very important goals on my bucket list, but these goals are common among most of the other students on campus.

My bucket list truly starts with a dream I’ve had since my mom brought me to my first rodeo. I dreamed of being in a Grand Entry, but more specifically I wanted to be the girl who got the privilege of carrying the American Flag. Although to be able to become that I first must become a proficient rider and horsewoman. That is my second item on my bucket list.

Third on my list is to become an author. Fiction writing has always interested me, and I just want to publish my own imagination. I want to write something that hasn’t been read.

Fourth is to travel across the world to places like Ireland or Spain. I want to experience many different cultures not just outside of the U.S. but within its borders. Montana, Alaska, and Washington State would be nice because of the state’s different topography, animals, and norms (such as the “Midnight Sun Game” in Alaska.)

Even if I don’t accomplish all of these things specifically, I do keep one thing in mind. When I am old and grey I want to sit and tell my grandchildren of all the wonderful things I have seen around the world and within our country, that a person can see only if they’re willing.

Oakes, Randy: Bucket List

Although the idea may seem harsh, more often than not people who have passed from this world are remembered for the things they accomplished in their lives. As a nervous and already drained college student, I have come to the conclusion that this concept, as ludicrous as it may sound, is fairly accurate in determining a person’s goals and morals. The bucket list, an idea developed to complete predetermined challenges before someone dies; aims sights on life’s big questions. I want to accomplish something in my short time on Earth. The number one thing on my bucket list is to become a prosecutor.

As a child, I found joy in the art of arguing. Though the people surrounding me took a quick disliking to my continuous harping, somehow I grew fond of it. As I grew older, mentors and friends alike would jokingly state that I would make a good lawyer. Over time, I matured and set morals for myself, taking on a strong sense of social justice, and a career as a lawyer suddenly was not such a bad idea. Festering inside me, the thought brewed into a dream. After some research and planning, the dream became a goal. Before my time ends, I hope to own my possess law firm to defend the innocent and put the rest on trial.

Weaver, Shelby: Bucket List

I have never written my bucket list down, it has always been a thought that I occasionally have every time I add to it. The list that is ever evolving in my head has never had any real order to it either, but I have always had one item that I always think about so I guess it has priority over the other items. It will probably take me a lifetime to accomplish it but before it kick the bucket I hope to rodeo in all fifty states. Although I am not sure if they have any in Alaska, I certainly have not heard of any but maybe that will change by the time I get there. I do know they have rodeos in Hawaii, I just haven’t figured out how to come up with the money to get my horse there. But I am well on my way to this goal and SAU has been a big part of helping me get closer. Which is a reason why I chose to come here to SAU. I knew that I would get to rodeo in Arkansas, of course, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Mississippi for my college rodeos. Last year was my first time to rodeo in all those state and I loved every second of it. Before I came to college I competed a lot in Oklahoma being my home state, twice in Texas and three times in Wyoming. So at the age of 19 I only have 41 states left to go. And I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Hesen, Lily: Bucket List

                  Personally, I define ‘financial peace’ as a paid for home, needs met, no debt, and never having to stress about money.  In life I have many financial goals that I have compiled together into a “bucket list”.

            The first item on my bucket list would be never to get a credit card. I have grown up reading several Dave Ramsey books and listening to his talk show. This has opened my eyes on how easy it is to drown in debt. Mr. Ramsey has expunged that getting a credit card guarantees debt and that is something I do not wish to deal with in life.

            Along with not having a credit card I would like to pay for my future home with cash only.  Instead of needing a down payment and having to worry about paying off my house debt for several years I’d rather cut a check to the seller. By doing this I would own the house and not have to ration my money.

            The final item on my bucket list would be to provide for my family as they have provided for me. My parents have spent thousands of dollars on my wellbeing and happiness over the past 18 years. I know I cannot teach them how to cut a steak or how to play golf, but I can use my financial success to help pay for things they need and surprise them with things they want.

            Living a life where I am smart with money is something that I aim for every day. I never want to worry about feeding my future family or have to deny myself from occasional wants due to having numerous debts. I plan to follow my bucket list to the T.

Vann, Ashton: Bucket List

            My bucket list includes personal and professional tasks. I am aware that death comes to everyone. I look forward to the future and the things I have the potential to accomplish. After completing medical school, I intend to set up a family practice clinic in this area. When my practice is well established I hope to take my talents abroad to help the less fortunate. Personal wishes include swimming with dolphins as well as visiting Germany and Egypt.

            Many children in third world countries are forced to live a poor quality of life by none of their own doing. I hope to be able to set up a life long partnership with a village in need in Africa. Yearly visits, phone communication, and funding for basic medical supplies can greatly improve children’s quality of life.

            Since I was a little girl dolphins have been a source of fascination. Their sonar communication is very interesting. My main reason for wanting to visit a tropical destination is to see these animals up close in their habitat.

            My boyfriend and I share a love of history and historic locations. We plan to visit concentration camps and museums relating to WWII in Germany. I would also like to visit the Pyramids at Giza.

            Although my bucket list is relatively short I have wishes I must be at home for. At 19 years old I am looking forward to marrying the man of my dreams and starting a family. Those wishes are put on hold until I complete all of my education. My boyfriend is supportive of my education and I believe we can stand the test of time. Later in life I will be able to look back on this paper and hopefully have fond memories of the dreams that came true.

Outstanding Students: 2015

From L to R, Jesse Castleberry, CoB, Taylor Duke, LPA, Caleb Parks S&E

Congratulations to the three outstanding students at Southern Arkansas from the Honors College. It was not a clean sweep but it was close!