"What are three things you want to do before you die? Why are these three things so important?" by Isabel G.

Throughout my life, I have met people who have had bucket lists of things they want to accomplish in their lives. I, too, have a bucket list that I hope to be fortunate enough to fulfill. Earth is fraught with many different experiences, and though we all wish we could live them all, that is just plain impossible. I will never be able to eat cake with Marie Antoinette in the 1700s, and neither will you– even if time travel is a dream of yours. What humans can do is dream of things that they are capable of. Three things that I would like to do before I die are traveling to all 7 continents, finding a true lover, and living in a place that is summer all year round with my beautiful family. 

Traveling all around the world has always been a big dream of mine, but after I did wilderness camp in the summer of 2025, that dream turned into a bucket list item, lingering at the forefront of my mind. Being outside and taking in the views of the Adirondack mountains daily was so special to me that my body needs more. More sights, more foreign experiences, more steps out of my comfort zone. Another big reason traveling and seeing different places is so important to me is because I have heard so many prudent stories and met so many amazing people from foreign countries and even continents, and I would do anything to see life from their perspectives. So far, I have been to 5 countries, which is roughly about 4% of the Earth. In my opinion, I do not think that we as a capable species are on this planet to just sit around. I believe that we are meant to explore, take risks, and go on adventures. I can't wait to hopefully take on adventures and see amazing places with my own two eyes.

Another lifelong ambition I hope comes true before I die is to find a partner to support, love and raise a family with. The one thing that most humanity can agree on is that life is for creating bonds and making people feel emotions, such as happiness. I cannot wait to be swept off my feet by the perfect partner, just like  Cinderella to Prince Charming. All throughout my life, I've been very fortunate to watch my parents love and support each other, not only as lovers but as best friends. It is now my goal to carry on the tradition of growing old with a partner that is not just my lover, but my best friend. A deep love for somebody is beyond an emotion, felt like no other. The pure tingle you feel, and the immediate happiness you indulge in from being around that special somebody, is a sensational feeling like no other. I am waiting for love to pick me up, brush the hair out of my eyes, and twirl me around in circles until I feel whole. I have never really experienced reciprocated true love, but I have a strong sense that I will know when the aberrational feeling of love arrives. After all, I do believe in soulmates.

Ever since I was a little girl, the beach has always been the most special place to me. I am the happiest by the coast and in the sun, running around, with my feet in the sand. This is why my last lifelong dream is to live somewhere where the sun always shines– where it is always summer, and the day-to-day uniform is a swimsuit. Somewhere like warm California, Hawaii, or even outside of the U.S. on a deserted island where mangos are in season, and sea salt lingers in the air. I dream of a place people vacation to– to get away from a boring office job, or a cold winter. The only difference between tourists and me is the fact that I live where they leave their lousy jobs to find peace and calm. I have not decided where I want to settle down just yet, but as soon as I do, I'm leaving and never coming back. I abhor sickly, stuffy, freezing-cold winters, and I don't even want to own a puffer jacket in the future. I dream of waking up every morning to the sound of waves crashing, palm trees swaying in the wind, and the orange sun gleaming on my tan cheeks. I want to live somewhere filled with memories, laughter, and comfort. I can imagine spending evenings watching the sunset with my sun-kissed family after long days adventuring on the coasts. To me, a home is not just a building, but a place that overflows with warmth, peace and the people who make life meaningful. Having a loving family in a place that feels like paradise would make my life feel finally complete.

Although life is an unpredictable game of events, I hope I will be able to accomplish the dreams that matter most to me before I die. Traveling the world, finding my soulmate, and building a beautiful life with my future family are all dreams that motivate me to keep going and work as hard as I possibly can for my future. Even if I do not complete every item on my bucket list of hopes and dreams, I know that chasing these dreams will help shape me into the person I want to become. Life is short, and I believe that it is important to fill it with adventurous journeys, love, and meaningful experiences. When I am old and weary in a wooden rocking chair, I hope that I can look back with no regrets and feel proud of all the memories that I have created. More than anything, I want to live a life that feels fulfilling, successful, exciting, and true to who I am as a human.