Senior Bucket List, Top 10 things to do before graduation
Like It Is
Cody Kees
Issue date: 3/25/09 Section: Opinion
With Spring Break sadly in the rear-view mirror, this academic year is quickly coming to an end. Seniors have just 45 days until their college experience is over.
Here's to ending with no regrets!
Before it's too late, consider the UA bucket list, the top 10 things that must be done before any senior can graduate from the UA or "kick the bucket," as they say.
This is not your run-of-the-mill "eat at Slims," "pull an all-nighter" or "attend a football game" list. This is a list that gets to the heart of what makes the UA great and, more importantly, unforgettable.
In no particular order:
1. Join some good company, at least one night, on Safe Ride, the Associated Student Government-funded transportation.
It's not just for drunks, but any student needing a safe transport. Besides getting home safe and for free, you will have the best conversations of your life.
2. Watch the Razorback baseball team continue its best record in the Southeastern Conference since joining the SEC by relaxing on a beautiful day in the "Hog Pen" in Baum Stadium, which Rivals.com declared as "the palace of college baseball stadiums."
3. Stop in one Thursday night at Willy D's Piano Bar. It may not have the same history as the bars our parents made famous (Maxine's and George's), but you will surely be in for a most memorable Dickson Street experience. (Don't forget to bring your own mug.)
4. See a sunrise or sunset from Mount Sequoyah, the best view in town. Just watch for the cops - they always seem to think anyone enjoying the view that early is up to no good.
5. For the guys, get a haircut by Jim Power (aka Union Jack) or Dave Furr in the Union Hair Care on the second floor of the Arkansas Union.
I know - the sound of getting a haircut in the Union is sort of hair-raising (excuse the pun), but it is by far the best haircut I have ever had and undoubtedly the best conversation with two UA resident experts. Jim and Dave have been cutting hair on campus for 35 years! How is that for a UA tradition?
6. Get a campus view from the rooftop of Old Main. I have yet to cross this one off my list, but word has it this was an easy, while still illegal, endeavor when the scaffolding was up. Now that renovations on Old Main are done, you will have to schmooze Dean Schwab for his rooftop access.
7. Attend Row Week. Regardless of whether you're Greek, this event is a UA tradition with a rich history, and it welcomes everyone no matter what their affiliation.
Each fraternity showcases its eclectic taste in music with a side of delicious foods that accents the personality of the organization. Best of all, even seniors are warmly greeted to this last hurrah. Just behave yourself so our own kids also get the opportunity to one day attend.
8. Meet a former president by attending the George H. W. Bush lecture Monday, April 6, on campus. There are only five living presidents - don't miss this chance.
9. Gather up your best friends and head to Devil's Den. This Arkansas jewel is right in our backyard and is sure to bring low-cost entertainment and fun to your waning college days.
10. Stop by Flying Possum Leather on Dickson Street and say hello to a Fayetteville legend, Bruce Walker. He has been in the business 33 years and is one of only two custom leather sandal makers in America. He will put a pair of custom sandals on your feet that will last you a lifetime.
Even if you don't make a purchase, you will get a podiatry lesson that will change your life - or your feet.
Congratulation, seniors; the ending stretch is very near. Our days at the UA will always provide pleasant memories, but make sure you lived them to the fullest.
Let's do it big and make it right before we "kick the bucket" - UA graduate-style!
Cody Kees is a columnist for The Arkansas Traveler. His column appears every other Wednesday.
Here's to ending with no regrets!
Before it's too late, consider the UA bucket list, the top 10 things that must be done before any senior can graduate from the UA or "kick the bucket," as they say.
This is not your run-of-the-mill "eat at Slims," "pull an all-nighter" or "attend a football game" list. This is a list that gets to the heart of what makes the UA great and, more importantly, unforgettable.
In no particular order:
1. Join some good company, at least one night, on Safe Ride, the Associated Student Government-funded transportation.
It's not just for drunks, but any student needing a safe transport. Besides getting home safe and for free, you will have the best conversations of your life.
2. Watch the Razorback baseball team continue its best record in the Southeastern Conference since joining the SEC by relaxing on a beautiful day in the "Hog Pen" in Baum Stadium, which Rivals.com declared as "the palace of college baseball stadiums."
3. Stop in one Thursday night at Willy D's Piano Bar. It may not have the same history as the bars our parents made famous (Maxine's and George's), but you will surely be in for a most memorable Dickson Street experience. (Don't forget to bring your own mug.)
4. See a sunrise or sunset from Mount Sequoyah, the best view in town. Just watch for the cops - they always seem to think anyone enjoying the view that early is up to no good.
5. For the guys, get a haircut by Jim Power (aka Union Jack) or Dave Furr in the Union Hair Care on the second floor of the Arkansas Union.
I know - the sound of getting a haircut in the Union is sort of hair-raising (excuse the pun), but it is by far the best haircut I have ever had and undoubtedly the best conversation with two UA resident experts. Jim and Dave have been cutting hair on campus for 35 years! How is that for a UA tradition?
6. Get a campus view from the rooftop of Old Main. I have yet to cross this one off my list, but word has it this was an easy, while still illegal, endeavor when the scaffolding was up. Now that renovations on Old Main are done, you will have to schmooze Dean Schwab for his rooftop access.
7. Attend Row Week. Regardless of whether you're Greek, this event is a UA tradition with a rich history, and it welcomes everyone no matter what their affiliation.
Each fraternity showcases its eclectic taste in music with a side of delicious foods that accents the personality of the organization. Best of all, even seniors are warmly greeted to this last hurrah. Just behave yourself so our own kids also get the opportunity to one day attend.
8. Meet a former president by attending the George H. W. Bush lecture Monday, April 6, on campus. There are only five living presidents - don't miss this chance.
9. Gather up your best friends and head to Devil's Den. This Arkansas jewel is right in our backyard and is sure to bring low-cost entertainment and fun to your waning college days.
10. Stop by Flying Possum Leather on Dickson Street and say hello to a Fayetteville legend, Bruce Walker. He has been in the business 33 years and is one of only two custom leather sandal makers in America. He will put a pair of custom sandals on your feet that will last you a lifetime.
Even if you don't make a purchase, you will get a podiatry lesson that will change your life - or your feet.
Congratulation, seniors; the ending stretch is very near. Our days at the UA will always provide pleasant memories, but make sure you lived them to the fullest.
Let's do it big and make it right before we "kick the bucket" - UA graduate-style!
Cody Kees is a columnist for The Arkansas Traveler. His column appears every other Wednesday.

Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
jabb
posted 3/25/09 @ 10:12 AM CST
graduate programs are an excellent way to start your career, but there is so much they dont teach you about how things work.
I wish i found this site when i was starting out:
Graduate Challenges
it would have saved me from making so many mistakes. (Continued…)
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