Anyone that has made it through all four years at Montclair State University had to have gone through the freshman year Experience Montclair phase first. For those that didn’t, Experience Montclair has freshmen download the Suitable app where they gain points for checking off different tasks and, well, experiences. It’s all meant to help new students get the most out of their first year and see what the university has to offer.
I downloaded the app for probably all of one week before disregarding it. But four years later, here I am as a senior wondering just how much I might’ve actually crossed off during my time in college.
Instead of going off Montclair State’s pre-made list, which would challenge me to do things like “high-five our President” (which I wouldn’t mind) or “visit the student recreation center,” I’ll start off my last year by making my own senior bucket list.
- Take a picture with Rocky – I have a picture with the bird himself during freshman orientation, but I’d love to do a side by side comparison with an updated version.
- Bar hop in Montclair – Freshly 21, I’m excited to explore more of the town I go to school in, which I haven’t done enough the past few years.
- Go to Homecoming – Nothing like going to Homecoming for the first and last time.
- Watch the Department of Theater and Dance – I’ve covered a few productions on campus for the school newspaper, but I was taking notes throughout and had to interview people afterward. It’s my goal to go to some performances purely to watch and enjoy them as opposed to watching with the intent of writing an article on it.
- Take a train into the city with friends – Again, the school paper has given me really great opportunities – one of them going to New York City for a media convention with other e-board members. But going into the city with people from my hometown even just to try a new food place has been something I’ve been wanting to do since this summer.
- Go ice skating – So maybe I haven’t crossed off as many Montclair State experiences as I thought I have. Having a rink nearby is one of the activities our school advertises to students the most, and I have yet to visit.
- Ride a golf cart – We might not have the electric scooters Rutgers University has, but we have a golf cart or two that could probably bring me back to The Village faster than a shuttle.
- Sit at the skyline more – The view from the Center For Environmental and Life Sciences building is the prettiest Montclair has to offer, and I want to soak it in as much as possible before the year ends, whether it’s alone or with a group of friends.
This list is specific to Montclair, but in general, I want to say “yes” more: yes to new friends, new experiences and new memories.