Akis-Davis, Keyonte

I have quite a few things that I want to accomplish before I die. There are so many that it is hard just to choose three to write about. One of the biggest things that I want to do somehow obtain a large multi-level warehouse and have a paintball free for all with a bunch of my friends. Another thing on my bucket list is to ride a motorcycle across the country just to see the sights. The third thing that I want to do is to block for at least one series in an NFL football game.

                First off is the gigantic paintball match. I have never played paintball in my life, I have played laser tag but that is a completely different game. The large multi-level building is necessary because all the high places in the building could provide perfect hiding places for all of the sneaky people looking for someone to hide and snipe people. A large number of people are needed to make the match more fun, not to mention the fact that it makes hiding harder. The only thing that could ruin the game would be if someone had the idea to freeze their paintballs before loading them into their gun. A frozen paintball can and will leave an ugly bruise on your skin.

                Next on my list is to ride a motorcycle across the country to sight see. For no reason at all I have always wanted to ride a motorcycle, and riding one across the country just seems like the proper way to do it. Driving motorcycles is not too far out of my reach, but I have a fear of losing control and hurting myself really bad. I know that taking a cross country trip is not the best idea, but it seems like it would be fun to ride off with just money, a bike, and your thoughts. One of the bad things that could happen would be to get into a bad wreck, but that is the extreme. A lesser thing that could happen would be for my legs to get sore from riding for a prolonged time.

                The third item on my list is to block for a series in an NFL game. I love playing football, and playing in the NFL is the biggest step that I could make. If I blocked in an NFL game, I would be able to feel the stress and adrenaline that the pros feel when they step foot onto the field. Even though I have no experience outside of high school football, it still seems like it would be fun. I would not care which team I got put on, as long as I could suit up and play with them.

                These three things from my bucket list are a few of the more rational ones that I could think of. A few of the irrational ones would be things like playing basketball on the moon, or driving that skateboarding car that I saw on MTV. The paintball competition is about the most normal and obtainable one of the three. The motorcycling across America would be second, and the most irrational of the three is playing in an NFL game. My bucket list has much more on it which is what made it hard to limit it to three things

Meiers, Cambrea

Everyone has things they want to do before a point in time in their life or before they die. Some may want to climb the tallest mountain or adopt a child before they get to old or die. I personally don’t have a complicated bucket list. There are just a few things I’d like to do before I get too old like get married, travel a little, have kids, and see my grandchildren before I die.

          I want to get married, because I want to share my life with someone. I don’t want to live alone and have no one to share things with besides my cat. I also don’t want people to look at me and think, “There goes the old lady with a bunch of cats.” If I get married, I also have a chance to have children!

          I would love to have kids, but, before I even think about having kids I want to travel overseas and visit different countries! I want to learn about their way of life! I really want to go shopping, buy different clothes, and eat different foods. If I had children I would not get to experience all the different cultures and see all the scenery. After I get back to the great United States of America then I will think about having kids.

          I believe that almost every girl is born with a motherly instinct to take care of children. I love taking care of children at church, family get-together’s, and babysitting children. Children are such a big part of my life already. I’d love to have some of my own.

          Being married and having kids of my own are already big accomplishments, and seeing my grandchildren before I die would just be icing on the cake. Hearing their laughter and seeing their smiling faces would probably keep me going, and I would stick around a lot longer.

          To sum up my bucket list, before I get too old or die I would like to get married, travel overseas, have beautiful children, and see my grandchildren. My bucket list is very simple, but it’s what I want most in life.

Hogan, NaCenya

        Have you ever thought about the things you would like to do before you die? It is called your bucket list. The things on my bucket list include becoming a nurse, going to Washington D.C, and building my own home.

            Becoming a nurse is on my bucket list because it is something I am working toward as of now. Just because I am in school for it doesn’t always mean that is what will happen to me. But I am determined to do it, so to accomplish that will mean a lot. I also want to be able to depend on myself if need be and be able to take care of the people around me. I also have this on my list because I want to be able to say that I have changed people’s lives. Not all people can say that they have done that, and being a nurse is a way to be close and personal.

            Whenever I get married, and before I start a family, I want to travel. One of the places I would like to go to is Washington D.C. This is on my list because I have not been to a place as historical as this. I want to be able to take tours of the White House, visit museums, and even meet President Obama, (or whoever is in office). I want to dine with the President and be his/her special guest because of a good deed or a cure I have helped a doctor find. I want to be on the news standing right next to my husband and the President. Being recognized by the President in Washington D.C will be amazing.

            The last thing on my list is building my own home. When I start a family I want a big one, one with a husband and six kids. Most homes are not made for at least nine rooms (seven for the kids and I, and two for guest), at least five bathrooms, and a gigantic kitchen and living room. You may be able to find it separate but not together, so this is a major thing on my list. Not only do I want to build my own to fit a big family, I want to do it because I will be able to call it my own. I wouldn’t have to owe anybody anything except utilities. I also want to have something to keep in the family that the family could actually say was built by us. Not everybody can say that.

            The things on my list may not seem extravagant but these are things that I would like to say I did before I died. I may or may not be able to accomplish my bucket list but it’s mine. To say that I am a nurse, traveled to Washington D.C, and built my own home will be a dream that I can hope to see.

Jackson, Megan

            I have always been a dreamer.  When life was unsatisfactory, when I would have preferred to be anywhere but in my own skin, I spent my time imagining what life would be like some day, at another, better time.  Until now, I never thought of my dreams and plans to be carried out eventually (when I had the funds, when I was finished with college, when I felt like it) as a bucket list, but I suppose that iss what they have been all along.  After all, "eventually" is just a nicer way of saying "before I die."  Not all of my dreams are practical - some of them are as far fetched as you can get - but I think that is the beauty of dreaming.  It frees you from the binds of every day life.  While there are endless exciting and wonderful things to do that are entirely possible within the constraints of physics and my budget, I have never been inclined to limit myself in that way.  So, without further adieu, I present you with my "bucket list."

             The item first and foremost on my list of things to accomplish before the timer hits zero is getting as far out of Arkansas as possible.  It is not that Arkansas is a bad place, because it is not.  It is simply that it is not right for me, never has been, and potentially never will be.  I do not tolerate the heat well.  I do not share the general population's viewpoints on hunting, fishing, gun control, or most current political issues.  I do not hate it here, but I have never fit in, and it has never been my home.  So, before I accomplish anything else, I want out of Arkansas.  I may find that Arkansas is better than anywhere else I go, and I may come back one day, but my experiences thus far say it is an unlikely prospect.

            Item number two is more like a short list unto itself.  The first step is to move out of the United States.  I refuse to spend my short time on Earth stuck inside the bubble that is the United States of America.  I want to live in the French countryside. I want to own five century old farmhouse in Scotland.  I want to walk the streets of Rome.  I want to explore the African savannah.  I want to see every museum, every famous work of art, and every ancient structure in the world in person.  I want to see the Australian outback and arctic Russia.  I want to learn a dozen languages, and communicate easily wherever I end up.  I want to experience Egypt, Canada, and Brazil.  I want to see everything there is to see, and one day when I am old to be able to say, "I have traveled the world." with complete honesty.

            Last but certainly not least on my bucket list is something that is significantly more complicated than it sounds.  I want to learn to be happy.  I want to be content with my life.  Happiness is not something that someone else can provide for you.  It is a choice that you make every day when you wake up, no matter the circumstances in your life.  You decide whether or not it is a good day.  You can not always control what happens to you, but you can certainly control your reaction to it.  My biggest lifetime goal is to learn to genuinely be in control of my own happiness.

            In summary, I have a lot of dreams.  I may accomplish all of them.  I may add to the list as time goes on.  A year from now, I might have an entirely different bucket list than the one you just read.  The beauty of a bucket list is that there are no rules and regulations.  It is what you want it to be, and if you change your mind, it can change with you.  I am only eighteen.  I have a lifetime ahead of me to think of other things I would like to do before I die, and I'm sure it will not take long for this list to exceed two and a half pages.  For now, though, these are the things I want to do before I die, and I think that they are enough.­­

Humphries, Jessica

          I have a list of stuff that I want to do in my life. Some of it I might not get to do and others I will. This list is called a bucket list. My list is short and simple, but some of these things are not so simple. A few things on my bucket list are: go to Alaska, become a veterinarian, have a family, and own a turquoise Camaro.

            The first item on my bucket list is to go to Alaska. My fiancé lived up there for about three years; hearing him talk about how much fun it was and all the different stuff up there makes me want to go. I would like to stay up there for at least 2 or 3 years. The way my fiancé talks, I’ll never want to come back to Arkansas.

            Becoming a veterinarian and having a family are 2 more things on my bucket list. I want to be a vet so I can support my family and help all the animals in need. Having a family is on my list because, well, who doesn’t want a family? Yes, you already have a family but it is a great feeling to start one on your own.

            Last, I want to own a turquoise Camaro. Not an older model, a newer one. I have had many cars that I have dreamed of owning, but a Camaro would be the first on the list. I picked the color turquoise because everyone has the colors red, black, orange, or silver. You don’t always see turquoise, though.

            Those are just a few items that are on my bucket list. I chose to tell you all about those four is because they were just more important than the others, and they were much more meaningful.

Flannigan, Jessica

           As young students, we look forward to graduating from high school and getting a job so we can live our lives. During high school years, we learn that being a high school graduate is not only an achievement, but the first step in becoming successful. Here is my bucket list journey to success.

            The first goal on my bucket list was to graduate high school. I did that May 17, 2013. So I can check that one off my list. The next goal is graduating from SAU Tech in 2015. From there, I will transfer to SAU in Magnolia and get accepted into the BSN program. I will then take the amount of hours BSN students need and graduate from SAU in Magnolia with a BSN degree.

            After having some experience in the nursing field, I am going to move to Texas and begin working at Baylor Hospital. While working, the love of my life that shares similar goals as me will find me, and we will get married. When the wedding is over, we will move into our lovely condo. After a year of marriage, we will begin our family. By the time our first child is born, we will move into a nice house in a gated community. My husband and I will raise our child to the best of our abilities, then try for another child and do the same.

            After having my last child, I will continue my duties a loving mother, supportive wife, and successful pediatric nurse practitioner. By the time I am 60, I will retire with my husband, and travel the world.

            When I retire and reflect over my life, I will realize how all my hard work and dedication I put into achieving my goals paid off.  I will enjoy my retirement being happy and fulfilled. My bucket list is my dream that is going to come true.

Tiffany

Many people interpret YOLO, “You only live once,” as a reason to go out with a blast. Yes, although we only live once we can choose healthier and safer ways to “kick the bucket.” There are numerous things that I would like to do before I die, but I only chose a few things that are most important to me.

I have grown up in and out of the foster care system. I have been abused mentally, emotionally, and sexually, but somehow I continue to push myself forward. I have been placed with several families and lived in two group homes. I have seen and experienced things that I pray no other child has. With my mom being the Ouachita County CALL (Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime) Coordinator I am able to attend some of the meetings and hear her talk about children in care. I am beyond blessed to be a part of the Keithley family and to be the first in biological family to pursue a post-secondary education. Even though I have been through hell, I am still going! One day before I depart from this world I want to be able to stand and tell my life story to others, more importantly the youth, because I believe it will affect their lives. I want to be an advocate so that youth in care get the tools that they need to better their lives and themselves. I want to be an example so that I can show youth that they too can overcome obstacles and, hopefully, go to college. I want to make a difference so that we as foster youth can beat the statistics and break the chains of our families. Just as Mandy Hale once said: “Change starts with YOU. When you step up, you invite others to step up, too.” I am willing to step up and start a chain-reaction.

Another thing that I would like to do before I die is love myself. My self-esteem is very low, and I’m really bad at putting myself down. People are always telling me how cute and beautiful I am, but sometimes I do not see what they see…I just see a girl with a horrible smile, crooked teeth, fat, and not worth anything. I hate looking in mirrors because I have to look at myself. There is a list of things that I hate about myself.

I would like to be adopted by the Keithleys before I die. Since I have been with the Keithleys, I have grown to love them like my real momma and daddy. I call Mrs. Louise momma but I do not call Mr. DJ daddy. I did not get along with my dad and had very little respect for him. There are times though when I do want to call him daddy but I don’t want it to feel awkward. They love me, care about me, and support me a lot more than my momma and daddy ever did. Benjamin, Caedmon, and Eleanor are my brothers and sister, and I would do anything for them. I have this sense of security here with the Keithleys that I have never felt before, and it is a safe home so I do not have to worry or fear. I know I am their daughter, but I want them to be my permanent and forever family. They are always going to be my parents no matter where I go, and the Keithley kids will always be my siblings.

I want to have a Biblical marriage. My biological mom and dad just recently married. They have been together for 25 years, and when questioned about their relationship, they answer with “Common Law Marriage”. I strongly believe that it does not matter how the government defines marriage, because whatever is in the Bible is what is correct.

When the timing is right, I want to have two kids. I would prefer a boy and a girl, but I know it does not work like that. I love kids and I love being around them, and having two of my own would rock my world. I will give them the love that I did not get from my parents and let them know every day how special they are to me.

More than anything else on my bucket list, I want to be successful. Neither of my parents graduated from high school, so the only kind of jobs they were able to get were maintenance, fast food restaurant jobs, and jobs working at ConAgra. Money was scarce and very limited. Most days we had sandwiches for lunch and chicken served with a side for dinner. Sometimes we ate whatever we could find in the kitchen. Every now and then both my parents would find vehicles to wash and from that money we would go buy pizza or something. I do not want to be like my parents; instead I want to get a good job so I can support my family. I want to be successful so that my family has what they need, and they are not dependent on a check or money from the government to feed them.

I would really love to meet Britt Nicole! Depression, for me, started at an early age, but it hit me hardest when I was fifteen. I hated being at home and every chance I got to leave the house I immediately jumped on it. Most times when I left home, I would go to my best friend’s house and hang out there. Audrey and I connected at the age of six when her mom and dad became the new pastor and pastor’s wife of our church. Audrey’s mom, Mrs. Jackie, was one of the ladies whom I told my sexual abuse to. Since then, they have also become my family. I lived at her house just about as much as I lived at home. Mrs. Jackie and Audrey know my story very well. I spent my sixteenth birthday with them, and Audrey posted a video on my Facebook page by Britt Nicole. The song was called “When She Cries” and it is about a girl who cuts and feel like no one is there for her, does not love her, and never hears her cries for help. Then the song switches to let her know that God hears her and loves her and that He will always be there for her when no one else will. That song stopped me from doing something stupid that night. I would like to meet Britt Nicole to tell her how much her song changed me and stopped me from cutting.

It would be really awesome to be able to go to a Celtics game! I only like two players from the team, but I still love them! I love everything about basketball!

The last thing on my list is to go to the beach. Every summer I see pictures from the beach. I have always wanted to go the beach. I think the closest I have ever come to a beach is Lake DeGray. It is pitiful. I just want to go to the beach and watch the sun go down. I would also like to run across the shore barefooted, look for starfish, collect seashells, and have a great time!

There are many things I could have included in this essay, but I chose the top most important things. Some are for fun and then there are those on my list that deal with relationships, self-development, and are very internal. I hope I live long enough to fulfill my bucket list. If I am not able to do everything on my bucket list I will be satisfied knowing I got to do a few of them!

Crumpler, Jessica

     Everyone says, “Life is too short, so make the most of it.” With this being said, most people make a bucket list. Some bucket lists are exotic, some extreme, some are simple. My bucket list will be categorized as simple.

          My number one item on my list is to have a healthy, loving family. While my family has already begun with Jaxxon, I want it to continue to flourish. I know in order to have a healthy family that there is a process. Education is first. I have already started on the journey to get my college degree, and I intend to get a Bachelors degree in Accounting. That little piece of paper can make the difference in seventy-thousand dollars a year and seven-thousand dollars a year. Getting that piece of paper is in my future. No doubt!

          The next step is to get a good job that accepts my degree and will pay me the respected amount that I believe I deserve for all the hard work I have put in and continue to put in. Some people get jobs that they hate because the job pays good. In my opinion, that makes it harder to get up and go to that job. I will need to research the job choices I have and see which ones will fit my personality. I hope that I can get a job in the field of my study that I enjoy and pays good.

          Marriage and children falls together in the last step. Many people have already met their significant other by the time college has ended. I hope that is the case for me, so I can begin my journey to being a wife. I have been planning my dream wedding for a long time. I would love to have my wedding outside on a nice, spring day, under a shade tree. I will be in a long flowing, form-fitting dress with a sweetheart neck line. If all does not go as planned, that is okay as long as the love of my life and I have a special day to remember. We will go on a luxurious honeymoon, maybe to Hawaii or stay curled up in a lodge in the mountains. As long as we are together, I am golden. I am already a mom, but after all the wedding and fun stuff gets over and life becomes boring, I would love to become a mom again. I have plans for at least three children, but if God gives me more or less, I will enjoy every minute of it.  

          By following this process, I can provide a house to hold all my children and husband. I can get at least two nice cars to transport my children. I will also have enough money to pay the bills and provide my children with the necessary materials and with materials that they want. I will be able to take my family on trips. I love the beach and maybe one day I can take my family, so they can enjoy it as much as I do. I would also like to take my family on a cruise. It is something I have never done and would love to do. Having a healthy and loving family is the most important item on my bucket list, and by following this process I can work hard now and enjoy my family later.

Bowling and pizza

The Honors students met for pizza and bowling last night.  There were some who were unable to attend due to sickness and work schedules, but those who were there had a GREAT time. 

We used our imaginations to figure out what to do in the absence of socks.  By putting heads together, we came up with a solution.

Keyonte claims he is not a great bowler, but he beat the rest of us pretty easily!  And that was AFTER playing two games of flag football!  We found out that Keyonte is the life of the party!!

We ate a lot of pizza!  Thanks to Mr. Gunnels for the food and bowling!

We visited and got to know each other a little better.  Some of the students already knew each other from high school, but not everyone had a past history.  So, we all got to spend some time bonding!

Megan Jackson, Tiffany Jamerson, and Jessica Humphries

 



Jessica Flannigan and Megan Jackson

 

 We enjoyed seeing the HUGE crowd of people bowling in the league play while we bowled.  We were impressed with the number of people and the quality of some of their bowling skills.

I look forward to the next time we are able to get together outside the classroom.  They are bright young people with phenomenal futures ahead of them!

During our class earlier this week, Jennifer Williams from the Financial Aid office came to share some information about financial aid rules and regulations.  Students need to have a clear understanding of what they need to do to keep their financial aid, how financial aid warning and suspension work, student loan debt, and consequences of dropping or failing courses.  Hopefully, this information session will keep the students from making uninformed decisions down the road!

Jennifer Williams
SAU Tech
Director of Financial Aid

 Bucket List papers are coming soon!!!

Great start to the year!

We are off to a great start to the school year!  With this being the first year of the Honors Program at SAU Tech, we are working kinks out and figuring out how to best meet the needs of our Honors students.  There are a few things we are working on:

1.  The Honors Program students will be going out for pizza and bowling next week.  I'll post some pictures of us "trying" to bowl!  I look forward to some time outside the classroom with this great group just hanging out, bonding, and getting to know one another. Plans are in the works for some additional activities this year including Mulegating at SAU's Homecoming game and going to Crystal Bridges art museum in NW Arkansas. 

2.  While we don't yet have a large lounge (hopefully that will come next year), we do have an office that is dedicated to the Honors students.  The students are devising plans to make it an inviting space and are starting to utilize it for study space.  First priority?  Add color!!!!

3.  Students in Honors Seminar are almost finished with their Bucket List papers.  I will begin loading those to the blog in the next week or so.

I feel truly blessed to have the chance to work with this amazing group of students.  They will do great things in life!!!

Welcome to the SAU Tech Honors Program blog

The SAU Tech Honors Program began in fall 2013.  Following in the footsteps of the SAU Honors College at SAU Magnolia, this blog is designed to be a site where students can showcase their accomplishments, share their writing, and post important information.  If you are interested in posting, email me at jsanders@sautech.edu and I'll add you as an author so you can begin posting.  My main rule....be polite and represent SAU Tech in a positive light!

I also want to do a few introductions. 

Robert Gunnels is the Vice Chancellor for Academics and is also the Honors Program Director.

Patricia Sindle is the Director of Enrollment Services and is the Assistant Director of the Honors Program.
 

Jenny Sanders is a counselor and advisor, and she teaches the Honors Seminar class.