Senior year, by far, has the potential to be the best year of your high school experience. Cherish each minute, because it holds so many beautiful memories. To help you make great memories during your last year of high school, here are some things to add to your Senior Year Bucket List!
1. Join a club, group, organization, or anything you have never done before.
Next year, you're going to be taking a big leap out of your comfort zone in college. Why not practice by taking a small one before then? Several girls in my class started running cross country. One of my close friends decided to pick up softball. As for myself, I chose to take part in YoungLife and our senior girls' bible study. I spoke to underclassmen I had mostly only seen in the hallways. I became closer to my classmates and our adult leaders. It was a totally new experience, and I regretted not doing it before my last year.
2. Go to one of each sporting event.
Support your peers. Support your family. Support the coaches. I made it to several softball, basketball, and football games but I regret missing out on the others. Those players have worked hard, and they deserve a little fan club.
3. Register to vote.
I know you've heard it from your parents and your history teacher a bazillion times, but you should definitely go register to vote. Go to your court house and fill out the form. It only takes a few minutes. It is one of the first grown up things you can do. Some of you might even make the cut off to vote in the presidential election! P.S: Some history teachers give extra credit if you register to vote and tell them!
4. Actually go to your senior events.
Maybe you aren't the prom type or you think senior parties are cliché and stupid. However, if you don't have anything else to do, you should go. Go with a group or go alone. You'll be surprised how much fun you'll have.
5. Take a trip.
Whether it be a spring break, summer, or inconveniently in the middle of the year, take a trip. I had the opportunity to go to New York in February, and it was one of the highlights of my year. Some trips I've seen other people go on include going to a music festival, Disney World, a mission trip and a spring break beach trip.
6. Go on a college tour.
Sometime during your senior year, you should go on at least one college tour. If you're like me, go on multiple. Going on a college tour will help you to meet people and see the place where you plan on spending the next four years of you life. If nothing else, go because it's probably a excused absence to a place with a built in Starbucks.
7. Make amends for grudges and friendships lost in the last four years.
In four years you are bound to gain some friends, lose some friends and cause a little drama. It's just part of high school. However, as you bid high school adios, try to leave without regrets hanging over your head.
8. Watch the sunset and sunrise.
During all the chaos of your busy year, take a minute to breathe. Enjoy the sunset and the sunrise. Marvel in the beauty. See that something is greater in this world. It's worth it.
9. Get a yearbook.
A few weeks ago I was at my uncle's house right before he went to his 50 year reunion. We spent a long time going through his yearbook. He showed me people I knew and how they looked when they were younger. He looked so happy reminiscing. Don't you want to do that?
10. Be a tourist in your own town.
If you are going away to college then you won't be home nearly as much. If you are staying local, you might discover a new hangout spot. Check out a museum. Go to that historical spot. Eat all the good foods.
11. Take all the pictures.
We all have that friend that requires taking a picture to commemorate every happy or sad moment. Join in as many pictures as you can. Who cares if your hair is a mess or you're not wearing the right shirt? You'll look past all those silly things when you remember all the good times. Just don't forget to see things out of your own eyes, too.
12. Hang out with your friends.
OK, I know you've probably been doing that since the beginning of your time. However, make sure you really take in the time you spend together. Don't take advantage of the fact you can see each other everyday now. Soon, y'all will be going in different directions. Take the time for silly movie nights with too much food and little road trips to nearby towns.
13. Spend time with your family.
Sure, you'd rather go to the movies or go to that fun party, but sometimes you need to take a little time to spend with your family. Your friends are cool and great, but honestly, who shows up to your sporting events, recitals, or when you are in trouble? Your family does. Soon you'll be living farther away from Mom and Dad. It'll be harder to get the time to drive over to visit your cousins. Spend the extra time while you can!
14. Do the kid things.
Oh, admit it, you miss Chuck E. Cheese and Build-A-Bear. There is no better time to live like a kid than when you are on the brink of adulthood.
15. Apply for all the scholarships.
Your school offers one? Apply. You came across one online? Apply. There's a community application? Apply. You sing in choir or play sports? Apply. College is expensive. Food is expensive. Fun is expensive. An essay is well worth your time when you are talking about thousands of dollars.
16. Thank your teachers.
...and other school staff. These people have served as supporters, nurturers, and educators for you for years. Some days you spend more time with them than you do your family. Don't you think you owe them a thank you?
17. Say goodbye.
By the end of the year, you'll have begun to say your goodbyes. For some of you, this is the first big change in your life. Some are staying. Some are leaving. Learn to let go and say goodbye. You are off to the new steps and better things. It is time to put away part of your life and start something new.
Class of 2017, good luck. We're rooting for you!
