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SUMMER OF 2020 ACTIVITIES

Class of 2021 Expectation # 1

I hope you are enjoying your last summer in high school! This time next year you will have graduated from high school and begin the next steps in your journey. I want to start by saying I do not expect for you to figure it all out before you graduate.

I do expect you to start thinking about your path and make a plan for which direction you plan on going. You will hit some bumps along the way, but it is how you deal with those bumps that will define you. To start this planning, your first summer assignment is to begin with the end in mind. Use this step-by-step guide to explore your future possibilities, evaluate the pros and cons of each, and return to school with an idea of where you plan on going after high school (college and/or work) and what you plan on doing once you get there (major and/or job). I am including a Google Doc on Classroom that you can use as a place to record your exploration. The final results of your exploration should be submitted to me on Google Classroom by completing the Google Feedback Form titled "Begin with the End in Mind" at the end of July. You will get a copy of your submission via email.

Step 1: Begin with the End in Mind.

• Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 30 years, 50 years? What do you want to accomplish in life? What do you want people to say at your 80th birthday? What stories will they tell? This can be a lot to think about. I recommend you start very general and begin to focus as you explore.

• In order to make a plan, you must start with a goal.

  • • What is your dream goal? If you could do anything or be anything what would it be? What would it take for that goal to become a reality?

    • What is your back-up plan or realistic goal? What would it take for that goal to become a reality? Are there any similarities between your dream goal and your back-up plan? What are the similarities and differences? What are the pros and cons of each?

    • What type of job do you see yourself doing in the future? Does it align with your plans after high school and your personal goals?

• Are you having trouble answering some of the questions above? Use this online exploration tool to assist you in determining possible options:

  • • O*NET Interest Profiler - It takes about 5 minutes to rate the questions. Then read about each job zone and select the one that best fits you. This will result in a list of potential careers based on your interest and job zone. Record your RIASEC scores in your Google Doc. Click a career to see a summary of the job including the knowledge, skills, and education required to do the job. The knowledge section will give you some guidance on the area you could major/minor in for college. The job outlook section gives guidance on the salary range and outlook (need) for the job. Hopefully you find some that are Bright (sun emoji) which means new job opportunities are very likely in the future. The Education section has a Find Training and Find Certification button that may give you programs, schools, or organizations that offer the education you need to meet the requirements for the job. Feel free to use other resources as you explore. Record your top job options on your Google Doc.

Read more about Habit 2 here.

Step 2: Write your personal mission statement.

• Read this article on writing Your Personal Mission Statement on NextStepU. Go to the Google Doc titled "Begin with the End in Mind" and write your first draft of your very own personal mission statement. Don't really think too hard just yet. Focus on writing down whatever comes to mind when you think about what you want your personal mission statement to say about you.

Step 3: Use the Internet and explore ALL of your possibilities.

• Resources to help you explore all of your possibilities:

  • • LELA's College Connection - a list of Louisiana's four-year, two-year, and TOPS Tech approved Proprietary and Cosmetology Schools

    • Exploring Majors in College - a website designed to explore what jobs you can get with a major

    • NCES College Navigator - a tool to search for colleges based on your preferences to find the right college for you.

    • Want to play sports in college? Visit the NCAA Eligibility Center and register to start the process. It is important you let me know if this is your goal so we can ensure your coursework meets NCAA eligibility requirements.

• What is the educational level and/or certifications required to do the job(s) you are interested in? Does it align with your plans and goals?

• Did you discover a possibility that you've never considered before? Do your plans need to be edited or revised?

• Are you planning to stay in state or go out of state? Have you looked at the financial obligations for each school you are interested in? Do you have a plan on how you are going to afford it (with minimal student loans if possible)?

• Finalize your pros and cons and evaluate your research results.

Step 4: Make a Decision!

• If you had to decide what your plans are after high school on August 15th, 2019 what would it be? This is not to say that you cannot change your mind. I hope you continue to research and explore your options long after the school year commences, so that you can ultimately make the best decision for you. I want you to have a plan when we return to school. In September, we will schedule a day in the lab to begin applying for college. In October, we will start your FASFA applications. It's going to go fast and you want to be prepared. Plans can always be modified as needed!

• I will post the Google Feedback Form for you to submit your final results at the end of July. Until then, use your time to explore and record your options on the Google Doc. This should not be a "think about it one day and get it done" activity. The only purpose of this activity is to assist you in planning your next steps toward your goals. You will get out of this what you put into this!