My College Bucket List

It’s really here, huh? Senior year of college. Last year of school…ever.

What?! That’s not real. I refuse to believe it. Gross.

But whether I pretend the real world isn’t around the corner or suck it up like the adult I am and embrace my soon-to-be post-graduation fate, this is indeed my last year of undergraduate school and most likely my last year of school ever (you never know though). 

This means it’ll be the last year for a lot of things, like my last first day of school, my last club meeting and my last time eating that delicious, delicious dining hall food that totally doesn’t give me the shits.

Before I “kick the bucket” in terms of college, I thought it’d be a fun and motivating idea to create a little senior year bucket list full of things I want to achieve before I mosey on down the aisle during graduation.

1. Make an Impact in My Community

When people ask me what I want to do after college, my answer is usually “I don’t know.” Although I know that I totally want to do something in the creative field (doesn’t have to be writing), I don’t have a definitive goal on where I want to work or what I want to do for the rest of my life. Like I don’t even know what I’m going to eat tomorrow. How am I supposed to know what I want to do for the next 80 years?

But while I’m not 100 percent certain on what I want to do in life, there is a goal that’ll be the motivator in whatever I choose to do — make a difference.

It’s no secret that I’m v passionate about mental health advocacy. It’s what has motivated me to create Your Friend Jane, kickstart other dreams/passions I have and learn more about the world around me.

For my final year of college, I really, really want to put all of my effort into making a difference within my college community. Whether it be expanding Your Friend Jane’s outreach, being involved in mental health clubs or supporting people in and allies of recovery, I want to do what I can to help others, even if it’s being there to listen.

2. Start My Dreams...Really

Becoming a published author has been a dream of mine ever since I torpedoed out of the womb, or at least since I knew how to write. When I was a kid, I wrote and illustrated a ton of 10-page stories about talking dolphins, elves and a girl with a dog named Toto (no, it’s not that story you’re thinking about).

Believe me, they were absolute garbage. Total and literal trash.

But they fueled that dream for years, and led me down that path of studying journalism in college.

Now that I’m an old lady (I know I’m 21, but my body feels old, okay?), that dream is still there, and it affects the way I look at the future, especially post-grad life. It’s honestly what motivates me most days, even on the days where my mental state is in the dumps.

For my last year of college, I really want to kick these “published author” dreams into high gear, #grindszn it out and write the book I’ve dreamt of for years.

This means not just saying “I’m working on a book” (it’s easier to say you’re writing a book than to actually write one), but rather really work on it and get past that first-draft hump.

I know it’s going to take a whole lot of self-discipline and effort.

But I’m determined more than ever, and the people in my life have been hella motivating and inspiring. 

It might take a few years, but dreams don’t have an expiration date, meaning you can start them no matter how old you are and it can take as long as you need. It’s all about the feeling of self-fulfillment and that’s what working on my passions does.

So be on the lookout, y’all! 👀 There’s a lot in store for the future.

3. Practice New Skills

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but we all know that shit just ain’t true. I mean sure, your brain stops developing at 25 (I think? I’m not a scientist). But does that mean you have to pack up your books, call it quits and say “Sayonara” to learning new things?

Hell to the no.

Being at school, there’s this ✨ scholarly aroma ✨ that makes me eager/motivated to learn new things, especially when I’m with others who share similar interests and passions.

This year, I want to take full advantage of that motivated feeling and practice as many new skills as I can. That means Photoshop, video editing, SEO and all things creative af. I want to literally be oozing with creative juices all year long.

The best part? There’s a campus full of people who are willing to help. From professors to like-minded peers, there are a ton of resources who’ll be there to answer all of my questions.

4. Try Out All of the Local Hot Spots

Being that I transferred to my college just last year, I feel like I’m a tad bit behind on trying out everything that my college’s community has to offer. From restaurants and bars to hiking spots and excursions, there’s a lot I want to do.

However, the challenge that comes with this goal is finding a buddy to go adventuring with. Sure! A lot of people will say they want to go hiking with you.

But when it comes down to it, we all have things to do and our schedules might not line up! Does that mean I’m going to scrap the activities I want to do just because I can’t find a friend to go with me?

No way, José.

Instead, I’m going to embrace the idea of “taking myself on a date,” and do the things I want to do by myself when no one else is around, or when I just want a bit of “me” time. There’s really nothing wrong with going to a restaurant, movie theater, etc. solo (although it definitely feels like everyone’s judging you even when they’re totally not).

So screw it! I’m going to do what I want, even if it means doing it by myself sometimes.

And there you have it! My senior year bucket list in a nut shell.

Whether you’re a senior in undergraduate school or finishing up your last bit of graduate school, I think it’s motivating to set goals for yourself and solidify what you want to do before you essentially “kick the student life bucket.” It’s a fun way to really squeeze the juices out of your last year and get to know your community — and yourself — on an even deeper level.

Your friend,
Jane

P.S. Do you have goals for your last year of college? Let me know in the comments below!