For the past year, the so-called end of the world has been a major topic of media banter; and for most people, a source of harmless, jocular public interest. Whether that mystical Mayan calendar is accurate or not, most of the world has not given the apparent end of life on Earth any serious thought.
However, as the infamous December 20, 2012 date of doom draws near, you can’t help but wonder: What if? What if the world really is going to explode in a spectacular galactic phenomena? What if a solar ray really will swallow up the Earth? Besides freaking out in general, how would I fill the last day of life?
“Cliche as it is, I would spend time with friends and family,” junior Alisan Turner said. “And I’d probably tell everyone what I really think of them.”
Spending time with loved ones seems to be, understandably, a popular opinion. Most people, instead of trying to cram their last day with a flurry of activities, would rather enjoy the company of familiar faces.
“I would spend time with my family and friends since it would be the last time I’d see them,” senior Kevin Nguyen said. “And try to do everything I’ve wanted to do but haven’t yet, like skydiving.”
The fulfillment of bucket lists is also a common desire, whether it be grand achievements such as skydiving or small personal satisfactions.
“I would try to do all the things I don’t normally get to do,” senior Adam Gill said. “I would eat all the different kinds of food I could, learn about as many things as I could and just try to experience a different way of life in general. I would want to see the world in as many ways as possible.”
“I would try to do as much of the cool things on my bucket list as I could,” junior Marlise Arellano said. “Like go to Italy and eat spaghetti, or meet Misty May and Kerri Walsh or go to space. If I could, I’d travel Europe, too. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but haven’t yet.”
In contrast, for many people, an ideal last day would be one filled with homey comforts: small things they value such as favorite movies, favorite music, or the freedom of a lazy, relaxed day.
“I would play my guitar and a lot of Call of Duty,” junior Chad Gibby said. “Those are two things I’d miss a lot.”
Still others would rather fill their day with spontaneity and fun, achieving lifetime goals or resolving lifetime regrets before the end.
“I would run around my neighborhood and learn the names of all my neighbors before I died,” junior Daniel Ryan said. “Because I’ve lived in the same house since fifth grade and I still don’t know their names. And I would eat all the food in my house at one time.”
Unlikely as it is, the thought of the end of the world reveals our truly important goals and priorities. If nothing else, it’s entertaining to think about last-day endeavors. How would you spend your last day on Earth?
