a list worth doing.

I was browsing around the internet and came upon this link

"66 things to do before you graduate college"

I'll admit. I was ready to not be impressed. I envisioned things like "get so drunk you can't remember your first name" or "streak at as many sporting events as possible". Things that for whatever reason define the college experience and aren't exactly up my alley. But to each his own.

But when I took a look at the list I was impressed. And intrigued. And curious. And inspired.

It's a list of legitimate things to do. That not only will improve you and prepare you for the future, but make your college experience a little more memorable and worthwhile. Some increase knowledge, some widen your scope of abilities and talents, and some are just for fun.

1. Principles » Your Dashboard

What beliefs equate to success to me?

01. [] Take the Gallup Strength Finder 2.0


02. [] Host a Potluck Dinner


03. [] Read The Alchemist


04. [] Take a Personal Development Course


05. [] Read Rich Dad Poor Dad


06. [] Journal for 30 Days in a Row


07. [] Hold 2 Leadership Positions


08. [] Read a Spiritual Text Cover to Cover

2. Passions » Your Keys

What do I love doing and why?

09. [] Play an Intramural Sport for Fun


10. [] Volunteer for an Organization that Moves You


11. [] Take a Graduate School Course


12. [] Finish an Assignment One Week Early


13. [] Do a Public Speech


14. [] Start a Campus Club


15. [] Learn to Play an Instrument


16. [] Write a Business Plan

3. Problems » Your Fuel

What social, scientific, technical, and/or personal problem do I want to solve?

17. [] Wear a Costume to Class (on a day other than Halloween)


18. [] Do Karaoke


19. [] Write an Article for the Campus Paper


20. [] Recite a Poem at an Open Mic


21. [] Correct your Professor


22. [] Do something you’ll likely get Rejected from


23. [] Get a Grade Change


24. [] Take a Quarter, Semester, or Year off

4. People » Your Motor

Whom do I want to serve and how?

25. [] Attend a Meeting of a Group you Think Thinks Differently


26. [] Get off Campus and go Camping


27. [] Join a National Organization


28. [] Mentor a Younger Person


29. [] Raise $1,000 for an Organization you Care About


30. [] Go on a Cross Country Road Trip


31. [] Study Abroad


32. [] Visit your Country of Cultural Origin

5. Positioning » Your Lane

What do I want to be #1 in the world at?

33. [] Buy your own Domain Name


34. [] Start a Blog/Website


35. [] Start Tweeting (Follow us at www.twitter.com/nscsroute66)


36. [] Buy Business cards


37. [] Create a Resume 2.0 on KODA.US/nscs


38. [] Do your Future Job Now


39. [] Create a Portfolio of your work


40. [] Intern with Two Companies

6. Pioneers » Your Pace Cars

Who are my models, mentors, or guides?

41. [] Watch 20 Videos @ Ted.com 


42. [] Find an Upperclassman Mentor


43. [] Take a Professor to Lunch


44. [] Seek to Meet a Prominent Alumni


45. [] Interview your Grandparents


46. [] Shadow an Alumni on a Project


47. [] Conduct Research with a Professor


48. [] Choose something to Master and Practice Everyday

7. Picture » Your Road Map

What’s my vision for myself and my world?

49. [] Learn WordPress


50. [] Master Excel and Powerpoint


51. [] Abstain from Something


52. [] Organize a Huge Event and Build a Team


53. [] Create a Vision Board


54. [] Learn how to use Photoshop or iMovie


55. [] Learn HTML & CSS


56. [] Sell something and Make a Profit

8. Possibility » Your Destination

What would be possible in the world with me that is not possible without me?

57. [] Learn to do your own Taxes


58. [] Run a Marathon


59. [] Take the GMAT, GRE, LSAT, or MCAT


60. [] Save $5,000 to $10,000


61. [] Clear your Credit Card Debt


62. [] Learn a Foreign Language


63. [] Get your Real Estate License


64. [] Earn a Certificate or License relevant to your Path

Last but not least…


65. [] Complete the 64 Things to do before you Graduate List


66. [] Graduate 10 Times more ready for the World than your Classmates

66. Route 66. Get the car theme? I thought it was pretty clever. These were all taken from the website. I didn't create any of them. I wish I was that creative . But for now I will have to benefit from the creativity of someone else.

Let's be honest. As much as I love college, it can get a little mundane. Not to say education isn't important, it's just easy to get into the school rut. You wake up, go to class, take notes, fail a test or several and there seems to be a never ending pile of homework. Your confidences waxes and wanes. And you do it day after day. Semester after semester. Year after year.

So needless to say....I'm getting a little sick of it. It being college. I think we all do. Maybe. It seems like I'm at that weird phase. About to graduate, not really sure what exactly I want to do. I have ideas, and in a perfect world I would bake cupcakes all day and sell them at my very own cupcake bakery.

Do you ever feel like life is just happening around you? Almost like you're observing it? At times I feel out of place. That I'm just here at school ever so temporarily and preparing to the best of my abilities for whatever comes next.

I think I'm in survival mode. Just taking it as it comes. Wanting to be done and on to the next phase of my life. After all, life is about progressing and growing. And I've been in this phase for so long. Since September 2005. Granted, I did take three semesters "off" to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints But still. I've been in this phase for quite. some. time.

Well my estimated graduation date is December 2011. After getting a hold on my account due to high credits, going on a wild goose chase to get it lifted, changing to a Bachelor of Science to avoid any further Spanish classes, getting an internship, and a list of other things, graduation is finally in sight. Finally.

So with two semesters left, it's coming down to the wire. And I'm going to make my college experience the very best that I can. Personally and to benefit my future. All while keeping my mental health in check.