Driving down the road, listening to your favorite songs, looking at anything that the highway has to offer, it is hard to miss those giant signs that are looking down on you telling you to go buy a lottery ticket. Sometimes they are all too convincing and you talk yourself into going to buy that winning, 11 million dollar, ticket. It’s in between that moment, and the moment that the numbers come out where your mind begins to wander to places you have always wanted to go. I’ve never bought one before, but in the back of my mind I knew they were just there to fuel your imagination. Only one person can win, but we all can dream and 11 million dollar dream, right. I gave in.
I’ve got the ticket in my hand and my mind is going full speed. I don’t think that I would want to get your typical two purchases: House and Car. I like the car I have and as far as housing goes I am currently content with my university housing. However, I would plan to help my family in any way I can and of course I would intend to pay off my school loans, let’s hope by then it doesn’t take all that money, but let’s be honest school loans are not that exciting even though it wouldn’t go to waste. I would still plan to get a job because I am young and have a lot of life to live and that money won’t last forever the way I am planning to spend it.
If I were to win the lottery I would travel the world, yes, the whole world. I would go everywhere from Asia to Africa and back to Europe. I would use my money for adventures and trips because even when that money well runs dry, I will always have the memories with me, memories that are worth far more than any amount of money could provide. I would want to really dive into the culture, not just do the surface level tours. I wouldn’t go alone I would take someone different every time-- friends, family, colleagues—each person will bring about a new perspective on travel and because I don’t believe you are supposed to always experience new things alone, I feel like every new experience is better when you have a friend to share it with. I haven’t traveled much thus far but I have big dreams, and month long European backpacking trip this Summer that is only going to further fuel my desire. I can only imagine the things I could come up with if I had the money to support my wanderlust dreams.
Here I am with ticket still in hand, plans all set out and the numbers are about to be called. It only takes minutes to realize I didn’t win, but my dreams are still there. Still there and waiting for that next monster sized sign to look down on me and refuel my dreams. Maybe next time I just won’t buy that ticket.
