What is on your bucket list? A bucket list is a list of things you want to get done or to see before you die.
For a long time, my big bucket list wish was to graduate from college. You know how it is, life gets in the way. First, there were kids, then money issues, then we moved and so much more. Life happens. But after nearly 20 years and four colleges, I finally got my Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, in 1996. There was not anyone prouder that day on that stage.
Check that one off, and now what?
As soon as I got my Bachelor’s, I wanted a Master’s degree. I was nearly 50, and not sure I could work and go to school. It was hard to do, but I really wanted to do this. Back on my bucket list it went – graduate with a Master’s degree. It took nearly four years, and I was not sure a couple of times I could finish what I started. But I got to cross that one off, too!
Now what?
I really thought I was finished with my bucket list. I felt very successful. Then in 2007, a movie came out that changed everything.
The movie was The Bucket List with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. The jacket on the movie box said, “Billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and car mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) are complete strangers, until fate lands them in the same hospital room. The men find they have two things in common: a need to come to terms with who they are and what they have done with their lives, and a desire to complete a list of things they want to see and do before they die. Against their doctor’s advice, the men leave the hospital and set out on the adventure of a lifetime.”
If you have not seen the movie, I highly recommend it. It reminded me that there are things to see and things to do before you die that have nothing to do with success.
At the Center for Lifelong Learning, we host Academic Traveler journeys on a regular basis. This year we are going to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival to see the museum, and watch A Comedy of Errors on April 30. In October, we will be going to Gettysburg, with stops in Hershey, and Washington DC. But the real trip of a lifetime is the trip to Israel in November.
Israel: The Holy Land is a guided tour of Tele Aviv, Jerusalem, and surrounding areas. Of course, I am a little afraid of the unrest in the region. And, of course, I am worried about the flight. For me, this is a spiritual pilgrimage. And probably it will be my last trip overseas. There is lots of information on our website about this trip. Check out Academic Travel under current courses for trip information. The website is www.athens.edu/CLL. I hope you will consider going with me on this special journey. Call me at 256-233-82692 if you have questions or concerns.
With this trip, we can pack a lifetime of learning in just 10 days.
By: Wanda Campbell
Center for Lifelong Learning – 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 – 256-233-8262
