Have you ever made a college bucket list? Recently a friend of mine said, “do it for the bucket list” and decided to make the rest of our college experience strictly based on that motto. With almost two and a quarter years left to go, here is our list so far.
1. Break out in the fight song at the bar– We have all participated in the “WE ARE” chant on the Whoop, yelled it at tour groups and have sang the “oh-OH-oh-oh-oh-oh…” song at parties, so why not break out into “Here Comes the Lion” at Levels Tuesday? BONUS: no cover charge.
2. Put your name somewhere on campus– Though writing your name in huge letters in Sharpie on the bus stop sign or your desk in 100 Thomas is usually frowned upon, see if you can make your mark somewhere (legally) on campus. How cool would it be to see it when you come back after graduation? Go find that place and tell the crazy story of how it got there.
3. Get kicked out of the Phyrst on your 21st– Everyone loves the green plastic hats you get when you turn 21, but if you don’t get kicked out, are you really doing your “twenty-fun” birthday right?
4. Participate in 55 days of Cafe– I am currently not 21, but I think that this could be a challenge in itself. Flaunt that 21-year-old power. Go to the bar, enjoy, and get your name up on that wall!
5. Pull an all-nighter and watch the sunrise at the Arboretum– I know most of my friends haven’t even ventured over to the Arboretum yet. One suggestion is to go, spend the entire day there and then stay to watch the sunrise. Not a lot of people could say that they did this, but you could.
(Photo: Cooper Smith Agency)
6. Dance on the bar at your go-to place– Your favorite song comes on, you get excited, you have had a little bit to drink, and all of a sudden you have the confidence that you have never known you had before. You jump up, get on the bar and belt out the lyrics to “Sweet Caroline” because you go to Penn State so, your life really is, “so good, so good, so good!”
7. Get a kiss at the Lion Shrine– Everyone loves the cute pictures of people getting engaged or sharing a kiss at the shrine, so why not get one of those for yourself? Who cares if its 2 a.m., and you’re on you’re way back from a party? Believe me, the Instagram likes will be worth it.
8. Get into an argument with the Willard Preacher– Everyone knows the bandit in the red sweatshirt, jeans and running sneakers that stands outside the Willard Building telling everyone at Penn State what horrible people they are for having relations with other people. Instead of just taking the crap he preaches, turn around once, and offer him a counter-argument. If not for your sanity, for a good laugh.
9. Eat at every restaurant in State College- Being a sorority girl, we love food. Yes, the stereotype is true, and yes, pokey sticks on a Friday is my idea of a good time. So, challenge yourself. Go to that little café downtown you’ve been dying to try or the Tavern that you’ve walked by every night on your way home, or even Are U Hungry (if you’re feeling adventurous).
10. Shotgun a beer after your last college final- Imagine… you are sitting in your house after your last college final, reflecting on all your days of the classes you’ve taken, the people you’ve met and the disgusting amounts of Natty Ice you’ve consumed. And then it’s there, to toast your final day of being a student. You grab a cold one, the trusty copy of your key (because you’ve lost yours so many times) hear the crack, and taste the sweet, musky taste of your good ole’ friend Natty Ice running down your throat as you celebrate your last beer as college student.
So there you have it – a few things to add to your life goals before graduation. If you’re a freshman, you’ve got plenty of time, but you seniors better get started ASAP. Best of luck Penn Staters!