As the clock winds down on the four years I’ve spent at VCU, I’ve found myself reflecting on my experiences throughout college and how to prepare myself for the transition from my whole life being about school to what’s in store for my career. While I’m filled with excitement, I’ll admit that there are many other feelings about graduating, some of the more prevalent ones being fear and anxiety. To combat this strange cocktail of emotions, I’ve decided to create a bucket list with different things I want to achieve, both big and small, before walking across the stage in May.
- Experience Richmond like a tourist
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I started college in August 2020, which meant the first two years of my time here at VCU were odd, to say the very least. After being on campus for a few weeks during my Freshman year, I made the decision to move home and complete the rest of the academic year online. While this was the best course of action to take at the time, I still missed out on the typical “college experience” and having a chance to explore Richmond. When I moved back to school, I stuck my nose in books and focused on my classes, so I want to spend a weekend exploring Richmond’s best qualities. Between the endless restaurants, hidden gems, and historic sights, I think I have my work cut out for me.
- Make a post-grad vision board
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While we’re only a month into 2024 and the glue is still drying on my New Year’s vision board, I want to set some post-grad goals for myself. Although goals aren’t always fulfilled and plans change, I’ve caught a case of whatever the “Sunday Scaries” equivalent is for soon-to-be graduates, and I think that exploring the ideas and visions I have for myself can help combat some of my anxiety.
- Go to a karaoke bar (and belt my favorite songs)
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For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to go out and karaoke à la Lost in Translation, but never found the time, or confidence, to do it. I know for a fact that I’m not a good singer, but it’s now or never to get out of my comfort zone, and what better way to do that than with your closest friends while belting “Enchanted” by Taylor Swift?
- Go on a road trip with friends
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Last semester, some friends and I took a trip to Shenandoah and it was one of the most fun trips I’ve gone on in recent years. Different experiences during our drive and throughout our weekend getaway helped to bring us closer and create so many memories. While that sounds extremely cliche, I want to experience that bond one more time before my friends and I have to go our separate ways and start our post-grad lives in May.
- Host a watch party for The Bachelor
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If you’re anything like me and my roommate, you love The Bachelor. Every Monday, we make sure to carve out time to watch the new episode as it airs, and it’s one of our favorite roomie traditions. As time has gone on, we’ve convinced some of our friends to watch the show as well, but I think it’s time to take our viewing to a new level. With the hustle and bustle of the semester, having something lighthearted to look forward to like The Bachelor helps to take my mind off of more pressing matters, and what better way to decompress than putting on cute pajamas and hosting your friends for a Bachelor watch party?