MEGHNA’S BUCKET LIST

Visit VeniceOne of the top things on my bucket list is to visit Venice, Italy. This city has such a rich

history and unique structure that it is one of the most wondrous cities in the world. Although there are other cities in the world with canal passageways, Venice also has the

rich Italian culture to help make it one of the most exciting cities. I have always wanted to go there and ride a gondola on the canals and just take in the beauty of it all.

Try every cupcake in ChicagoCupcake fever has swept the nation and I want to be a part of the craze. Various cupcake shops are popping up left and right and several of them are featured on TV shows. Each

cupcake shop has its own unique twist on these delicious delicacies and it is my goal to try each shop. To take it a step further, I would like to try every type of cupcake out there.

From the classic chocolate and vanillas to the unique s’more and BLT’s, I want to see what this city has to offer!

Dance MoreEver since I was little, I have been a dancer. I began training in Indian classical dance at the age of 5

and in 2011 I did my solo debut performance which lasted three hours. The picture shown is from that performance. Apart from classical dance, I have a strong interest in hip hop and Bhangra, a north Indian folk dance. At some point in my life, I would really like to learn how to do these styles of

dance, maybe even be on a dance team. I believe dance is the best way to express yourself and the fact that there are so many styles and so many ways people express themselves is absolutely

extraordinary.

Run a marathonMany people compare their lifelong journeys to achieve their goals as a marathon. They describe it

something that requires perseverance and determination. Everyone seems to connect with this metaphor but how many of them have actually run a marathon? At some point in my life I would like to run a marathon to be able to test my own strengths. Ideally I would try to raise money for some organization while testing my own physical and mental abilities. Running a marathon takes a lot of

work and I believe it would be a true accomplishment if I could check this off my bucket list.

Go on a road trip with friendsRelaxed driving, endless music and chatter, and hours upon hours of memories. These are all aspects of a road trip that I want to experience with my friends. Although I have been

on several road trips with my parents, I believe a road trip with my friends would be a completely different experience. Perhaps we could go camping or to some far away

amusement park. Road trips are a great way to bond and for this reason, I would really like to take one before I start my career.

Live in New York CityChicago is one of the greatest cities on earth. It is alive and exciting but I have spent my whole life here. At some point in my life I would like to live in New York City. The hustle and bustle of this city paired with its sky high buildings and busy noise have made this location one of the top destinations on my bucket list. I have not decided whether I would like to start a family in

the city but New York City has so many opportunities that it just pulls me in. This amazing place has so much to offer that not living there would actually make my life incomplete.

Have a career in medicineFor as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a doctor. At first it was

because I idolized my aunt who was a doctor but eventually the interest became my own. Medicine combines my love for science with my love for service in such a balanced way

that I cannot see myself trying to pursue anything else. Although I do not know what type of physician I want to be, I know I want to go to medical school and in the long run, pursue

a career in medicine.

Get marriedEvery girl imagines her dream wedding at a very young age. They think about what songs will be played, what they will dance to, what they will wear, etc. What most girls forget is the groom. I have always known that I wanted a traditional Indian wedding, just like my parents had. The only thing missing from this perfect picture is the groom. Although my

parents had an arranged marriage, I would like to one day fall in love and marry Mr. Right.

Start a familyOne thing that I feel is necessary for my life to be complete is a family. After I get married, I want to have kids that complete my family. Not only do I want to have my own children, I want to adopt a

child. There are many homeless and orphaned children in the world and I would really like to change the life of one of these kids. Our children are our future and if we are not able to help them be the

best they can be, then where does that leave our future? I want to be able to give a child the opportunities they deserve but have been deprived of so they have an equal chance to be successful.

Learn to cook Indian foodMy Indian heritage is one of the most important things to me. It has shaped who I am today and although I never lived there, I want to keep my culture close and pass it on to my children in the future. It was easy for my parents to pass it on because they grew up surrounded by it. I grew up

with aspects of Indian and American culture and sometimes one overlaps the other. I believe one of the best ways to maintain this culture is through its cuisine. Each dish has a story, a memory. By being able to keep the rich spices alive in my life, I believe I will be able to maintain my culture.

Watch a sunset while skydivingA sunset happens everyday and brings together warm hues of the evening sky with the

darkness of night . Skydiving is basically jumping out of a moving airplane flying thousands of feet above ground. One of these is beautiful while the other is downright scary and dangerous. Combining the two creates the perfect combination of fear and

calmness. I believe that such an experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity and if I get the chance to do this I would consider myself lucky.

Get in touch with my spiritualityAlong with my culture, my religion has also played a big role in who I am. My parents have

raised me as a Hindu and my philosophy on life stems from the principles of Hinduism. Over the years I have tried to take religion as something that requires self learning. The principles and theories can be taught but the essential belief must come from within. For this reason, I would like to learn more and experience my religion first hand. The picture above is of the

Bhagavad Gita, which is a dialogue that explains many Hindu beliefs. Along with reading this text, I would like to read the Vedas and be more proactive in my religious education.