So many high school graduates finish their four years with regret about experiences they didn’t have or risks they didn’t take. And if you’re entering your senior year, you may find some of that regret seeping in already. To avoid this feeling, many students draft senior year bucket lists to accomplish before they cross the graduation stage. Here’s not only why it’s beneficial to make one but some ideas to get you started too!
For those who don’t know, a bucket list is a list of activities or goals you want to achieve before a certain point, such as skydiving before your 30th birthday. Writing down your list builds motivation with a visible reminder to do as many things as you can. It gives you the opportunity to make as many memories as possible, creating so many adventures that it is impossible to feel regret. You force yourself to do things you’ve always wanted to do but you might have been afraid to or not had the time for. This is your chance to say “screw it!” to your inhibitions and just go for it. There is nothing worse than a missed opportunity, so don’t let it happen to you.
One of the toughest things about a bucket list is getting started. Once you get those juices flowing, it comes so much easier. So here are some ideas to add to your senior year bucket list.
Related: 7 Things You Need to Do Before High School Graduation
Travel
There are so many options when it comes to traveling—some of which are more affordable than others.
Road trip
Grab a couple friends, hop in the car, and go somewhere for a long weekend. Visit a neighboring state, go to the beach, or drive without a destination. The last option especially leans toward adventure, waiting until something peaks your interest. This is one of the best ways to really go out of your comfort zone, because your zone has no limits.
See the world
Make it a mission to see one other country, even if it’s one right next door. Pop over to Canada and say hi to your friends in the North! It is a terrific opportunity to see the little nuances that make up diverse cultures.
Local adventures
Sometimes, with the rush of school, it’s hard to find time to explore where you are. Before you leave your hometown for a few years—maybe forever!—take advantage of what it has to offer.
Support local businesses
It’s amazing what can be found when you look for it. Look for interesting classes to take around town, such as glass blowing or yoga. Go on a shopping spree. Look for gems that have been hiding under your nose.
Volunteer
Your community has done so much for you. Try to look for ways to give back—there are countless! Libraries, food shelters, and retirement homes are always looking for a helping hand.
Social goals
By the time senior year rolls around, most people have their own groups. They decide who they like and what they do. But challenge yourself to break that routine.
Meet somebody new once a week
By doing this, you expose yourself to new outlooks on life that could challenge what you’ve grown accustomed to. You might even make a new friend!
Related: Video: Making the Fall of Senior Year Easier
Get to know YOU
While senior year is a lot about spending as much time as you can with friends, it’s important to not lose sight of yourself too.
Find your roots
There is a magnitude of ways to approach this. You could search online to see where your ancestors are from, go to the first house you lived in and see the neighborhood or visit family that you’ve never met and learn about a new side.
Take yourself on a date
You’re going to work hard this year—why not treat yourself? Go see a movie and get dinner at a nice restaurant. It’s something everybody should try at least once, even if you’re nervous about it. Chances are that you’ll have a fun time and want to do it again!
Related: Dear Future Seniors: Wisdom for Your Last Year of High School
Hopefully you can take some time at the beginning of this crazy school year to set up a list for yourself and have fun on all of your adventures!
