The first Item Checked off the Bucket List!

Today marks the end of a significant chapter in my journey; as I finished finals today, I have officially completed the requirement to obtain my Associate in Criminal Justice from Sacramento City College. But it also signals the beginning of a new adventure as I proudly check off the first item on my Bucket List. When I first received my Cancer diagnosis, it felt like the world was urging me to embrace every moment: travel, cherish time with loved ones, indulge in delicious meals, share laughter, and savor life's precious moments. Yet, amid that storm, I only desired to retreat and hide away from the world.

As time went on, I refused to let my diagnosis define me. I continued to push forward, balancing work, education, and my passion for writing on my blog. Though I have not formally crafted a Bucket List, the idea had been brewing within me. Today, I have started drafting what that will look like with pen to paper.

My vision, as well as my husband's, is clear: to traverse the globe, soaking in the vibrant cultures possible of Hong Kong, Shanghai, Paris, and beyond, all while experiencing the magic of Disney Parks worldwide. My husband and I are huge Disney fans, and while we love to travel, we have always wanted to see the parks in other countries. Each destination holds within it a tapestry of experiences waiting to be woven into the fabric of my life.

While many aspire to achieve career milestones like obtaining a bachelor's degree, I have consciously prioritized experiences over accolades. The uncertainty of tomorrow has illuminated the importance of seizing the present. Today, as I complete my final class and petition to graduate with an AA in Criminal Justice from Sacramento City College, I am filled with pride.

Looking back at what I have achieved, I can't help but think about what I would have told my younger self. I wish I could have told myself how important it is to value education and to enjoy discovering new things. Through my academic journey's ups and downs, I have found passions that I never knew existed, like my love for writing and literature. Now, I am standing at the threshold of endless possibilities, grateful for the experiences yet to come. I am so happy that I have ticked off the first item on my bucket list, but I'm excited about the adventures still waiting for me. I am ready to embrace each moment and keep my heart filled with endless optimism.