Commentary by KatieZinna

Whether you like to party hard or chill at home, there is always something fun for everyone to do during the summer. And what better way to organize all the fun things summer has to offer than by creating a bucket list?

A bucket list is essentially the guidebook to having an awesome summer with your friends and family. 

You might have created a notes list detailing 200 different things that you and your friend group have wanted to complete before summer ended. However, if you are anything like my friend group, you only ended up doing about two things on the list. 

Fortunately, there are a multitude of Marian girls who went above and beyond and did some pretty amazing things this summer, whether it was staying at home or traveling halfway across the world. 

For those of you who like to stay close to home and take it easy, your classmates have done numerous awesome things that could be right up your alley. 

Sophomore Catherine Buescher spent time this summer rearranging her room—a perfect activity for those of you looking for a creative outlet that is low cost and productive.

Watching the sun rise and set is a must during the summer, according to sophomore Ella Watton. 

So if you’re looking for something fun to do, grab your friends and go experience a beautiful sunset. And yes, I said sunset, because if you’re anything like me, you spent your summer sleeping in ‘til noon. 

Junior Piper Albers dominated on the courts this summer playing a game we all know and love: pickleball. If you want to get out of the house for a bit and stay active, pickleball is the way to go. 

Calling all craft lovers! Senior Torrey McManus spent her summer creating senior boxes with her friends—an amazing way to look back on all of your unique Marian moments while utilizing your artistic abilities. 

Here’s a little tip for freshmen: keep any letters, pictures, etc that you receive at Marian and keep them in a box somewhere that you can eventually pull out when you become seniors to reminisce on your past years at Marian.

Now, if you’re a bit more adventurous, don’t worry; your Marian sisters have your back and have shared some amazing activities that you can add to your own bucket list.

For all you adrenaline junkies, visiting an amusement park could be a perfect weekend getaway. 

Freshman Adeline Bernal took a thrilling journey this summer to Silver Dollar City, MO, where she went on some exhilarating rides.

Another good option is to jump in the water and learn how to wake board, just like freshman Harper Novotny did this summer. Just remember to be careful, because you never know if there are sharks or alligators in the water.

If you are looking to be both active and adventurous, you can literally follow in freshman Salome Zuluaga’s footsteps and complete a triathlon. 

All you need are some sneakers, a water bottle, athletic wear, and a place to run, swim and bike. It’s both fun and inexpensive!

Finally, I believe that no summer is perfect without a bonfire. So grab your friends and pick up some s’more supplies, because if you haven’t had a bonfire, you need to add this to your bucket list.

Now, these are only a few different summer activities listed by only some crusaders’ points of view. There are thousands of other things you can add to your bucket list, and if you still haven’t made one for next summer—what are you waiting for?

As my dad always says, “When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” So start your list and make some plans with your friends.