As high school students, having a good high school experience is important, especially with maturity within reach. Meaning that this is the perfect opportunity to take what high school life has to offer and create a bucket list, not only to motivate you to pursue new goals but also to create fun moments with friends. But making one can be difficult because of the overwhelming possibilities. As a result, this article will list some suggestions you can do. Get ready for amazing adventures, memories, and a diverse list of to-dos in both academics and fun.
There are necessary things to do in high school in order to ensure you are ready for adulthood, so it’s easy to get stressed and pressured. Therefore, it may be better to fill out your portfolios and transcripts for colleges while enjoying yourself. Arcadia High School (AHS) offers a lot of opportunities, such as volunteering hours and experiences that you can only do in your high school years. For example, you can join clubs to find your people, create clubs to take initiative, try out for teams—like Orchesis or the student council—and volunteer with your friends for a cause you love. Joining big programs and making new friends is a way for you to interact with supportive communities and pursue your passions. So consider putting these on your bucket list.
As junior Kourtney Konner said, “I want to gain accolades as much as I can so I can have a good report on my college acceptances.” She further expanded on her passions as an ice skater. “I’ve been a figure skater for over ten years, starting from when I was seven, and from the very beginning I knew it was something I was meant to do. Over time, I became deeply involved in skating communities, joining training, groups, clubs, and mentorship environments because I wanted to grow as a skater and also support others. Not just [to] build achievements, but to be a part of something bigger”.
However, that is not the only way you can spend your high school days. There are many fun activities you can do with your friends before high school ends. You can travel with them to the beach or amusement parks during days off, so you can have an exciting break. For instance, you can have a picnic on the beach or go to places like Six Flags and escape rooms. You can also try new places with friends or simply hang out with them at home.
In a wider aspect, you can also host events yourself, like a white elephant or potluck, and enjoy yourself in the joy of community, anticipation, and budget-friendly celebrations. White elephant is when you exchange gifts by drawing names, often having a steal mechanism involved. Whereas a potluck provides diverse foods that people bring. Both are fun activities to do.
However, there are also activities that you can do alone. You can go visit independently owned book stores and record shops. It is always important to support their local businesses, especially in a technology-induced world. Sometimes it’s nice to be off the internet and immerse yourself in your surroundings.
Suggested locations would be Octavia’s bookshelf with reviews highlighting a great selection of books and a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
“There’s also the Underdog Bookstore in Monrovia. They have new books there,” said junior Kaylee Segovia.
Moreover, as teenagers, learning how to drive is another thing you do. It is a new and exciting experience that could open doors to you in a way that expands opportunities for part-time jobs, extracurricular activities, and social life. Driving is a crucial skill to learn how to do. So make sure you sign up at the DMV when needed.
Furthermore, attending events like prom or homecoming is a great way to enjoy your high school year. Prom offers a sense of fulfillment and homecoming evokes a sense of belonging and spirit. It is a must-have experience, since it is only held in high school.
Freshman Joliene Wu pointed out, “High school bucket lists are important for motivation and structure for students. When you have a goal, you are in charge of it…It’s a way [to] tell yourself that I want to reach this, so I have to do something.” As Wu also remarked of her own high school bucket list. “My bucket list would probably get into the right school, accomplish [more than] 180 hours of veterinary training or volunteering, get a scholarship, [do] an internship, and get experience for vet school.”
In summation, making a bucket list is a way to ensure you get to engage in a fulfilling high school experience. Lastly, you should appreciate capturing these moments in pictures and making a scrapbook or photo album out of them, so you can look back at these memories for years to come. Even though high school life can be stressful sometimes, there is always joy in enjoying new moments and creating a list for them.
