As graduation gets closer, many high school students are left stressed and overwhelmed. For the past 13 years, their lives have followed a planned routine. Go to school, complete assignments, follow instructions. From the moment students stepped into kindergarten, they have blindly been guided through each grade. Now, for the first time, the next step is left for them to decide.
“I was so sure I was going to go to N.C. State after high school, but now that I’m waitlisted, I’m not sure what I’m going to do,” said senior Carson Allen.
Although you might have had a plan for years, life doesn’t always go as expected. Learning to adjust your plan will help with growth and learning more about yourself. Even though you might have had a plan for years.
Students shouldn’t feel pressured to pick a major or the next life step, instead they should examine and explore their choices.
“You’re a fresh adult, you shouldn’t have your whole life figured out. You have many resources because of how young you are and have a lot more options to explore so take the time to look for a career you actually want,” said senior Joey Weaver.
Still, others believe having a plan is important.
“It would be better to know what you are doing because you are able to open up more career paths, and you’ll know what career and what internships you want to do that will benefit you in the future,” said FVHS economics teacher Adam Fox.
These different viewpoints show that there is no single right way to prepare for life after high school. Everyone is different and should choose the path that feels right for them.
Whether students choose to take a gap year or go to a four year college, it’s important to remember that there is no right choice. Being uncertain about your future isn’t a setback.
