Last Tuesday, Jan. 18, was my last first day of school, and it is safe to say that I have mixed feelings about it. It is so bittersweet. I am eager to finish strong and enter the real world, but also sad to leave behind a place that has become a second home. 

There are approximately three months left until I graduate from Rowan and I have been reflecting on my time here. It has not always been easy- especially with a transition to remote and hybrid learning due to COVID-19. Nevertheless, all the stress, tears and sleepless nights have been worth it. 

College gave me my first sense of freedom, and gosh it thrilled me. I made my own class schedules, allowing me to be flexible for work. I made my own choices– choices that were never in discussion at home before coming to college, like eating ice cream for dinner or eating ice cream in bed.  

There has also been this newfound sense of exploration, and I think I was a couple years late to this, unfortunately. Rowan provides great opportunities to get involved both socially and physically. There seem to be so much to do, and I am hoping I can do it all before leaving Rowan.

In order to keep myself on track, I’ve created a senior bucket list. I believe this is a great way to enjoy my last semester and take a breather from the stress of homework.

In case you’re looking for campus recommendations to finish out your time at Rowan, here’s my personal senior bucket list.

Take a yoga class at the REC Center

The REC Center offers several yoga classes for students, such as Yoga for All, Recharge Yoga, Yoga Flow, Everyday Yoga and Sunrise Yoga.

I am a morning person, so I’m eager to sign up for the Sunrise Yoga session, which is a 45-minute yoga practice at 7:30 a.m. There’s no better way to start the day.  

Rowan students can sign up via the RowanREC app if interested. Masks are required for participation. 

Eat one last cookie at Cookie Munchers 

I remember my first time going to Cookie Munchers years ago when their menu was the side of a cardboard box. I have supported and watched the company grow into the business they are today, so it only seems right for one of my last destinations here at Rowan to be Cookie Munchers. 

Cookie Munchers opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 1:30 a.m. on weekdays and they close at 3:30 a.m. on weekends.

I was always a double-chocolate chip cookie girl until the M&M cookie stole my heart. And you can’t forget the cold milk to dunk. 

Attend a Movie Night

Rowan After Hours, also known as RAH, plays a movie in the Student Center ballroom every Tuesday at 9:15 p.m. Some movies are classics while others are newer. Each week is a different genre, so there is a movie for every Rowan student– not to mention it’s a great way to clear your mind during a busy week.

Take the shuttle into Philly 

RAH works alongside SUP and offers Rowan students a shuttle to Philly. Departure from the Student Center is 7 p.m. and the shuttle returning to campus leaves Philly at 10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. 

I have always wanted to go explore the city with my roommates and grab a nice dinner. The shuttle is a great opportunity for us to save gas and spend some quality time together, so why not take advantage of it?

Study in the library

Last semester, during finals, I went to the library to study and write my papers. I sat in a study room for five hours straight, finishing my paper and studying for two courses. It was the most productive I have ever been in my college career. 

The quietness and alone time allowed me to focus and complete all my work. Because I want to end on a strong note academically, I will definitely be taking advantage of the library and the study rooms in my apartment complex.   

I have come to love and appreciate Rowan as a second home, and the thought of leaving it behind in a few months is heartbreaking. There is not too much time left, but I plan to make every day count. 

I hope other seniors jot down their bucket lists to make the most of this last semester. Best of luck to my seniors and have a great last semester.

For comments/questions about this story, tweet @TheWhitOnlineor email Thewhitopinion23@gmail.com.