First off, don't take this article as my, "I'm ready to settle down and get married within the year. Take this as a list of things I would like to accomplish within the next 5-6+ years. I took the time to sit down and really think about my life. Whether some of these goals are bigger than others, some are very personal that I wish to accomplish, while others are self-explanatory.
Travel
Yes. Travel is my number one goal. After coming home from study abroad, I have had this sudden impulse of looking at a map, throwing a dart, and going where it lands. My dream is to travel to a place on every continent and experience different cultures, cuisines, etc.
Graduate
Although this goal is one of the obvious one's, it's one of the most important ones on the list. With a degree in hand, you are ready for the real world. It is now your time to go out into the real world and (hopefully) land you a job. After all, this is what 15+ years of schooling is all about.
Love my job
Getting a good job right after school is very important for me. So what if it isn't going to be where I work for the rest of my life, but what I do want to remember is the place where it started. I know many people who don't love their job but do it anyway because it's all they got. I understand that you won't always find someplace you'll fall in love with, but before settling down, finding a good place to work is a top priority.
Learn how to manage my finances
In a few years, I will be out of college, and hopefully, on my own. With being an adult, comes managing your own money and expenses. You are no longer relying on your parents for everything. I'll be old enough, working, and earning my own money. From now until then, I have a lot to learn, but I hope to become better at managing my money, with a steady income, so I'm not relying on others to help me live.
Volunteer
Throughout high school and college, I've been a part of many volunteer opportunities, which I hope to carry out throughout my life. Yes, donating money is always helpful, but actually doing something with the organization is something I wish to continue.I think it's important to help out with different causes and charities that you believe are important because you get the feeling that you are making a difference in other people's lives.
Buy an apartment or house
This is, in my opinion, the next step after graduating. Whenever you decide to buy or lease your first apartment, whether it's right after college, or a few years after, I believe that people should live independently before deciding with their partner to live together. With buying or leasing your first apartment/house, comes new responsibilities that I believe everyone needs to grow.
Buy or lease a car
Buying or leasing your first car is a big step to becoming an adult. Although many people may have started driving since they were 15, your first car is always memorable. I can't wait to not only pick out one and call it mine, but test drive them all to find the perfect one!
Drive cross country
Not only has it been my dream to travel internationally, but I have a whole list of states and landmarks I'd wish to travel to as well. Some places on my list include, Washington DC, California, and New Orleans.
Learn how to cook
Even though I love to eat food, I would love to be able to learn how to cook more. Whether that's learning through my family, or taking a few classes to improve my skills/
Be comfortable in my own skin
I believe that everyone can struggle with this at some point in their life. For many, they are still learning to love their body, and accept any flaws they may see. I think it's important that before you love anyone else, you must love yourself first.
Cross things off your bucket list
What I mean by this one, is, cross as many things off your bucketlist you can before finding the one and settling down. This doesn't mean that you can't do these things once you're married, but try to do as much as you can when you're single, and when you finally do get married, make a new one with your partner.
