We all have a bucket list. Some people's are more extravagant than others'. Some people think bucket lists are for old people, but I believe in living life to the fullest. The unthinkable can happen at any moment, so why wait to live your dreams? Your bucket list doesn't have to be reasonable. It's a list of wishes before you die. But no matter what's on your list, there's always a reason behind everything. Maybe you've never really thought about why you want to go skydiving or why you want to visit Hawaii, but I can guarantee you that the meaning behind your list is more powerful than you thought. Here's an inside look into some of my bucket list and the reasons behind each item.
1. Be in a movie.
I think every little girl has a dream at some point in her life to be an actress or a singer. As a girl with a very active imagination, I would spend countless days creating scenarios in which I played a major role in a dramatic movie. I even wrote the start to movie scripts sometimes, dreaming that one day a producer would take my script and turn it into live action. As I got older, I realized my chances of becoming a famous actress were slim to none, but my wish to appear in a movie has not diminished by any means. I am wholeheartedly determined to appear in a film before I die, even if I'm just an extra crossing the street.
2. Visit Paris.
Possibly the most romantic city in the world, Paris is known for its sophisticated, luxurious atmosphere. The French language has always appealed to me, and after four years of French lessons, my desire to visit France has only increased. I find Paris to be a beautiful city. Though it sounds very cliché, I would like nothing more than to visit the Eiffel Tower at sunset, and watch as it lights up in the night. I want to behold the beauty of nature in another country. I want to envelop myself in a new culture, enjoy new experiences and gain a new perspective on life.
3. Meet Ellen DeGeneres.
As completely crazy as this might sound, I am related to Ellen DeGeneres. My mother's cousin married Ellen's cousin. Though the relation is only by marriage and not by blood, being related to such an inspirational public figure is something I'm very proud of. Unfortunately, Ellen does not know I exist and there is nothing I'd like more than to meet her. She has taught me how to laugh during some of the worst times of my life, and her continued encouragement to be kind to one another is truly admirable.
4. Make a difference in someone's life.
This may sound cheesy, but I want to leave my mark on this world, even if it means I changed one person's life for the better. I want to be remembered. I refuse to be forgotten. I believe that if I am able to create good in someone's life, then my memory and soul will live on. I want to leave this world knowing that I did something to make the Earth a better place. It doesn't have to be a huge impact, but I will not let myself die until I have touched someone's heart.
5. Find true love.
This is another item that is 100 percent cliché, but it's also very important. I want to find the one that I will spend the rest of my life with. I want to find the one who will care for me no matter what, and who will love me unconditionally despite my many flaws. I might be crazy or naïve for wanting a fairytale ending, but the childhood dreams of a little girl searching for her soulmate are still strong in my heart.
6. Get married.
When I find my true love, I absolutely want to get married. I want to make a promise to spend the rest of my life with the person who loves me endlessly. To me, marriage is a beautiful part of life, whether between man and woman, man and man or woman and woman. There is no greater expression of love than vowing to stay by your partner's side forever. I dream of the one day when I will walk down the aisle in white and promise myself to the one who makes me the happiest I've ever been.
7. Have a family.
Though I do not know how many children I want, I do know I want a family. I want my home to feel complete. I want to tell bedtime stories to a giggling little girl or an energetic little boy. I want to share in momentous experiences like a first dance recital or a first soccer game. I want to be able to share my experiences and knowledge with a daughter and/or son. I want to experience the feeling of unconditional love between a mother and her child.
8. Become a criminal profiler.
My dream is to work for the Behavioral Analysis Unit in the FBI. I am currently studying Criminal Justice and Psychology with a minor in Forensic Science. For grad school I want to move onto a Criminology program. I am determined to become a criminal profiler. This is what I want to do. I want to help the world and make a difference by working for our country's justice system. I want to help make proper reforms in our justice system and bring those who have wronged others to justice.
9. Sing the National Anthem at a sports game.
Singing is a hobby of mine. I started taking vocal lessons a couple years ago, but I had been part of musicals and choruses before then. I am proud to be an American, and I believe that God has given me a gift. The church teaches that we are to use the gifts and talents given to us by God. If I had an opportunity to honor God and my country at the same time, I would immediately say yes. I love going to baseball games, so I have a dream to sing the national anthem at a Buffalo Bisons game.
10. Drive across the United States.
Before I die, I want to see the country. I think a drive across the US would make me feel alive and free. I wouldn't have any time constraints. I could just drive at my own pace and enjoy the wonders of our country. I have already been to Niagara Falls and The Grand Canyon, but there are so many other places that I've never been. I am making it a goal to visit every state before I die— even Montana (which has more cows than people.)
Would I like to complete everything on my bucket list before I die? Of course. Will that happen? Who knows. The important thing is to never give up on life and it's precious moments, no matter how old you get. Even on the darkest of days, there is always light. If something seems too far away, go for it anyway. You have nothing to lose. Go after your dreams. Don't listen to anyone who tries to stop you. It's your life. You have a limited number of days, so make them count.
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." -Les Brown
