On September 10, 2021, 335 members of the class of 2024 physically gathered to kickstart their sophomore year. At the Kick-Off, the Sophomore Bucketlist was announced and explained in detail. The idea of the Sophomore Bucket was created last year by Brandon Cash ‘16 and members of the Piper Center, Dean’s Office, Resident’s life and the Center for Academic Advising and Support.
An original program built to assist students through their sophomore year was created last year and had a different name: the Sophomore Challenge. However, it was not the right fit for St. Olaf sophomores. “We need to do better, we need to have a little more structure there, and perhaps a little bit more intentionality behind it,” said Associate Director of Student Activities Brandon Cash ’16. It was not until summer 2021 that the original idea of focusing on the sophomores’ experiences was expanded upon.
The term “sophomore thriving” forms the basis for the Bucket List. “Sophomore thriving” refers to experiences that are thought to be particularly helpful and supported by research in high impact practices. These experiences yield a great amount of meaning for students. The Bucket List, which can be viewed on Presence, provides Sophomores with a list of experiences that they can complete that will enhance their year.
All 30 items that are on the Bucket List were chosen for a reason, backed by research, and tied to St. Olaf. Although there are 30 items to be checked off, only 15 of them are expected to be completed. Setting the goal of 15 “Gives enough of a spread that allows you to expand just a little bit in your sophmore year,” Cash said. When a student reaches five, Cash said he is working on providing notes of encouragement and when the first 250 students reach 15 they will be awarded a bucket hat.
The purpose of the Bucket List is to promote activities that students are already doing and make opportunities that students have not thought of more accessible. It is also recognizing that “Sophomore year this year is tricky for folks. The bucket list is a fun and cheeky way to make it a little easier and help you all feel connected to each other to St Olaf and really make the most of what I truly think can be an awesome year here at St Olaf,” Cash said.
The future of the Bucket List is looking promising and it seems that although some items specific to the class of 2024, such as Prom, sophomores can continue to look forward to engaging in this program. “My sincere hope is that this is something we continue. It’s not just something for the class of 2024 but that this is a program that continues to grow and say that we are going to welcome back our sophomores in a meaningful way and provide them with some opportunities to get connected in new ways on this campus when they return,” Cash said.
