What's On Your Bucket List?

Maybe not everybody has one, but everyone has heard of them. A list of things to do before dying.  At a young age, there are countless things yet to be done, but maybe as the years go by the concept of a "bucket list" may become less appealing and concrete.

With age, people tend to see their goals and aspirations as things that will just fall into place over time, rather than things that are meant to be achieved in succession. They might see that their path has changed, or that their ambitions have evolved.

"I don't really believe in bucket lists," said Joe Monninger, an English professor at Plymouth State, "I think life is about going along, and those things seem artificial."

As young adults, students are facing an increase in responsibilities, and they see all of the opportunities that lie ahead. They're eager for certain things to happen in life before the end. Whether these goals are likely or less likely to be reached, it is still important that they stay whimsical and optimistic.

When student Ed Fleming, a junior, was asked what was on his list, he was sincere and realistic in his answers."Go to Lego Land, and eat the most chocolaty thing in the whole world," said Fleming.

More often than not, an individual's goals reflect who they are and what they are interested in.  Cecil Smith's response was very eccentric and illuminated his personality.  "LARP one of the battles from Lord of the Rings... yeah, I want do some LARPing," said Smith, a senior.  

There are many people that see the concept of a bucket list as something frivolous and not so serious. Although it is important to have tangible and realistic long-term goals, it is fun to think of all of the possibilities. When Ebenezer Edwards was asked what is on his list, he said, "Own an island and have sex with a princess," said Edwards, a PSU student.

It is important to be able to see further ahead rather than just being impulsive, but spontaneity is also essential for diverse experiences.

One of the things on sophomore Anthony Scolamiero's list was more of a long-term goal rather than just a one-time experience or happening.  "I want to be a teacher," said Scolamiero.