10 Things to do Before You Turn 25

I love birthdays, so I am pretty excited that mine is coming up in just a few days. To celebrate, I thought I would make a list of the top ten things you should do before turning 25. Of course, these are things you can do no matter your age, so if you haven't done these yet, it's time to give them a try.

1. Bake homemade cookies - No, I don't mean break & bake or using a mix, but actually following a recipe and cooking from scratch. Yes, there is a difference, and it is so worth it. I recommend trying the Tollhouse chocolate chip cookie recipe.
2. Volunteer - Work with children. Spend time at an animal shelter. Pass out food at a soup kitchen. Find something you like to do and use it to give back to your community. You'll feel better about yourself and will be helping to improve the lives of those around you.
3. Go on a road trip - The open road is calling, so grab a few friends and hop in the car. While Route 66 isn't what it used to be, there are still plenty of roads to travel and country to see.
4. Learn CPR and First Aid - Knowing how to respond to an emergency is important and may save your life or someone else's. Don't depend on someone else knowing how to do CPR or perform the Heimlich Maneuver, although it's OK to hope you never have to put your skills into action :) Check with your local Red Cross or community center to see when classes are offered.
5. Read a classic novel - Really, I mean read a book written before 1900 that you are reading for pleasure not for school. Jane Austen's books, such as Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, are an excellent introduction to classic literature. Some other favorites are Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne, and Middlemarch by George Eliot.
6. Watch a Hepburn movie - Katharine Hepburn was a New England socialite who became a famous Hollywood actress by starring in films like Bringing Up Baby and The Philadelphia Story. Katherine is, also, famous for wearing men's pants at a time when wearing pants was considered unfeminine. The other famous Hepburn, Audrey, was born in Belgium and eventually became America's sweetheart by starring in films such as Roman Holiday, Love in the Afternoon, and Breakfast at Tiffany's. Both women are worth watching and learning more about.
7. Get an education - While college can be overrated, getting an education never is. If you can't afford a major university, look at community colleges that offer subjects you are interested in studying. Don't forget to look into scholarships and financial aid to help cover the cost.
8. Learn a foreign language - I admit the only language I'm fluent in is English, but I've dabbled in other languages and learned that nothing makes you appreciate your native tongue like learning another language. One day I hope to be at least conversant in French and Spanish, but until that time I can still enjoy movies such as Volver and Coco Avant Chanel.
9. Visit a foreign country - I love to travel, and visiting a different country only adds to the excitement. I haven't done as much international traveling as I would like, but even a trip to Canada can open your eyes to the way other people live.
10. Try something new and unexpected - Audition for a play. Move to a new city. Eat sushi. Learn martial arts. Write a book. Trying something new can be challenging but it, also, offers you the opportunity to learn more about yourself and to widen your horizons. Life is about experimenting, so be prepared to seize the day!

What are some things you want to try?

Any suggestions for things to do before you're 30?