SMC Bucket List

Hello everyone! So sorry it's been so long since my last post.  Since the last time I wrote, I have traveled to Poland and Italy with Alex, explored different parts of Ireland with my mom, finished up my finals, arrived back in the US, and spent the summer home in New Hampshire.  Now I'm getting ready to head back to Saint Mike's for my final year there - I can't believe it!  It seems like barely any time has passed since the first day of freshman orientation.  I'm both excited and nervous to graduate...but more on that later.  When I was in Ireland, I started making a "Saint Mike's Bucket List" of things I want to do before my time as an undergraduate is over.  The list is fairly lengthy, but I wanted to share part of it with you.

1. Take more advantage of what Saint Mike's has to offer.  Although I have participated in MOVE (Mobilization of Volunteer Efforts) on a few different occasions throughout my time at SMC, I've never gone on any of their service trips.  I have heard only wonderful things about them and hope that I will be able to go on one this year!  I also want to do more with the Wilderness Program (in addition to getting a fantastic deal on a season pass to Smuggler's Notch).  Specifically, I want to go on a Full Moon snowshoe with them - I love winter and I think it would be an awesome experience.  My friends and I have gone hiking in Vermont before, but seeing Ireland's beauty gave me a greater appreciation for the outdoors and made me realize that I want to do more to appreciate Vermont's scenery!

My friends and me at the summit of Mt. Philo in Charlotte, VT

2. Explore the area surrounding SMC. I have loved Cabot cheddar cheese for as long as I can remember, so it seems only fitting that I visit one of the Cabot stores in Vermont!  I also want to try the American Flatbread restaurant in Burlington because I recently learned that one of my coworker's uncles owns it.  I was particularly excited to learn about this because it's just one more affirmation for me that so many people have a connection to either Saint Mike's or the Burlington area.  Plus, getting pizza is a great excuse to have more cheese! :)

 
3. Take a picture with the whale tails.  Having been a student at Saint Mike's for three years now, I have driven from New Hampshire to Vermont many times.  Aside from the exit numbers getting closer and closer to fifteen, the whale tails on the side of I89 always let me know that I'm getting close to my second home. I've always enjoyed seeing them from a distance, but this year I want to make a point to see them up close.

Thank you Google Images for the beautiful picture!

When I think about the fact that I'll be starting my senior classes in a matter of days, I get a little overwhelmed with how much I imagine I'll have to balance along with everything else I want to do this year. However, in this moment at least, I'm quite motivated.  In fact, I recently decided that my theme for the year is going to be "make it happen."  Now or never, right?

My SMC bucket list includes many more activities and places to visit, but for now these are some of my top priorities.  I will certainly keep everyone posted (no pun intended) on what I accomplish!

Thanks so much for reading my blog! Also, a special shout out to the incoming freshman Class of 2018 - I wish you all the best of luck as you begin your college career! Feel free to email me or contact me via Twitter with any questions you may have about SMC :)

~Merrill