Making decisions has been important to you since you were a little kid deciding what you’ll do at recess during lunch. However, making decisions has never been as vital as it is now.
During your senior year of high school, the future awaits ahead of your decisions, and whatever path you take will dictate which one you’ll walk upon. Whether that decision is joining the military, enrolling into a college or university, trade school, taking a gap-year, or immediately going into the work force, your journey through life is unique. You’ve probably heard this statement a dozen times throughout your senior year by now, but it is very crucial to recognize the choices you make now will impact you. Do not sleep on your future.
For students who plan on enrolling into a college or university, a deep level of understanding where you’re headed to is crucial. First, academics in college is a level above what you’re used to. You must learn how to truly study, not just what to study. College exams often test understanding, rather than memorization. On top of this, attendance to your classes on a regular basis is exponentially more important than that of high school.
I notice that a lot of our seniors at Hillcrest haven’t been taking their attendance as seriously as in their previous years. “Our senior class currently has the lowest attendance percentage compared to all other grade levels at Hillcrest,” according to Hillcrest’s Dean Teaney, and I believe that regardless of what field you venture into, showing up is what keeps you on track to success.
In addition, if you are choosing the college-route, I highly recommend avoiding procrastination and balancing work-life schedules. These factors definitely impact numerous students during high school currently, so imagine how bad it could get if students continue bad habits of pushing assignments to the last minute.
However, do not forget that college can be completed at any point of your journey. Some of my friends, Kenneth Francis (’26) and Nathan Hillman (’26), are considering joining the U.S. Military out of high school. They could receive numerous benefits including the possibility of progress towards a college education.
Then, there is the hands-on field of trade school, where the choices are endless. If you are a student who wishes to enter the trades, it is very important to make sure that you select the right trade for you. Research job demand and pay in your area. Trades like electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, automotive technicians are often in high demand in many areas.
On top of this, if you have the opportunity to speak to someone who is currently in the trades, speak to them in order to give you a realistic impression of how your experience may go while in trade school. Just as it is necessary to select the right college or university to attend for many students, it is also very important to select the right trade school or program. Be sure to verify that the school is accredited and recognized by employers or unions. Trade school is often cheaper and shorter than college (6 months – 2 years), which makes it a viable option for many students who don’t wish to attend college.
Regardless of which option you choose, every judgement you make will solidify the bricks to a large wall: your future. It may seem even more stressful by the day at this point, but realize that you have time to make the right decisions. Never rush any life-changing decisions, especially ones that may dictate where your career ends up.
Make smart, calculated decisions, and wherever you end up in the future will finally pay off because of the choices you’ve made right now.
Are you ready?
Do you have a plan in mind of what you will do to get there?
The choice is yours.
