College is a place where newfound independence is met by just the right amount of security. It is a judgment-free environment where ignorance is diminished by enlightenment and the thirst for knowledge is quenched. A magical land where the blissful, yet false, feeling of invincibility allows us to party until the sun rises and study until the sun sets. By most, college is described as some of the best years of their lives. Our youth fuels this carefree lifestyle that makes college a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Often times, however, we fail to see the gifts of creativity, ambition and vigor that youth carries. When we take our youthfulness for granted, we fall victim to routine. Beauty of spontaneity is forgotten and creativity is hindered by the unavoidable stress that growing up brings.

Youth is not just a number, but rather an ageless state of mind. It is essential for our happiness to cultivate a youthful spirit throughout every phase of our lives. Luckily, I have two simple steps that will help you accomplish this. Step number one: create a bucket list. Step number two: throw out said bucket list and actually do it. In other words, create your very own "f**k-it" list. Let’s be honest, how many of the things on your bucket list have you actually checked off? Do you even remember all the things you’ve listed? Realistically speaking, your bucket list consists of vacations you’ll probably never take and dreams you no longer wish to accomplish. So say "F**k it!" to the bucket. You don’t need a list to tell you what you wish to do. You need a youthful spirit that floods your world with new and refreshing experiences.

Youth is not to be used as an excuse to avoid responsibilities. Rather, it should be a time that encourages innovation and increases creativity and allows you to explore newfound passions. As college students, it is now that we must take advantage of our youthfulness and use its vitality to fuel our aspirations.

What is a f**k it list? Bucket lists usually consist of unrealistic goals and frustrated dreams that you want to accomplish before dying. Instead of stressing out over things you wished you did years ago say "F**k it!" and do it now. Traveling to the Eiffel Tower may be out of your budget, but a spontaneous picnic or a quick weekend trip to the beach isn’t. Stop planning; stop waiting for the perfect moment and just do it! Want to join the Peace Corp when you graduate? Awesome, add it to the bucket list. In the meantime, create a care package for that homeless man you always see outside your neighborhood 7-Eleven. Do it, cross it off your list.

Why should you create one? Similar to youth, a f**k-it list is a state of mind. It is a predisposition to do what you want, when you want, because you want too. It is a way to let loose from routine and enjoy every moment in life. Embracing this lifestyle will decrease stress while transforming the way in which you see the world and even how you communicate with others. Conversations will no longer revolve around media-fed topics. Rather, stories about how you randomly attended a meditation session and how you went skydiving off a Groupon deal will lead conversations. Experiences like these will fuel your creativity. You owe it to yourself to engage in more fulfilling activities that will give you the opportunity to learn more about yourself and the world we live in. Spontaneous adventures will allow you to travel to a land of unrevealed beauty, tranquility, excitement and success.

How do I get started: I already mentioned the first step is to get rid of your bucket list. Get rid of any hopes you have on achieving your goals. Do not simply create a desire, create an experience. We’ve heard the saying: “Stop and smell the roses,” but we have become desensitized to the beauty it translates to. Next time you’re walking to class literally stop and smell the roses, observe your surroundings and take a moment to bask in the beauty our Earth withholds. Getting your f**k-it list started just consists of taking action. Do whatever it is you want, it can be simple or complex, but just do it.

Landing internships and well-paying jobs is important, and to find a job that you don’t dread you must first find your passion. Your passion is found through experiences and the best time to fulfill those experiences is now, when we are young and in college. Next time you find yourself wishing you were doing something out of the ordinary simply translate that wish to an action. I encourage you to do at least one thing this week that you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t dared to do so because of fear, doubt or even plain out laziness. Whether it’s talking to that cute girl in your marketing course, starting a peaceful demonstration on-campus or creating a student-run business. Just do it and scratch it off your f**k-it list.