Seniors Graduating

4/19/23

Graduating from High School is an exciting yet daunting time for many students. The culmination of years of hard work and dedication can lead to mixed emotions as they prepare to enter the next chapter of their lives. However, one question that graduating seniors often dread is, "What are you doing after you graduate?" While this question may seem harmless, it can create unnecessary stress and anxiety for students. In this blog post, we'll explore why asking graduating seniors about their plans can be problematic and suggest alternative ways to engage with them during this transitional period.

First and foremost, asking graduating seniors about their plans after college can make them feel like their worth is solely based on their future career prospects. Graduating from High School is an accomplishment in itself, and students should be celebrated for their hard work and dedication regardless of what they plan to do next. By focusing solely on their future plans, we risk diminishing the significance of their accomplishments up to this point.

Furthermore, many students may not have a clear idea of what they want to do after graduation. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as not being able to secure a job yet or simply needing time to figure things out. Asking about their plans can put pressure on students to have everything figured out, which can be overwhelming and discouraging.

In addition, asking about future plans can be a sensitive topic for some students. They may be dealing with personal or family issues that make it difficult to plan for the future. As a result, asking about their plans can unintentionally bring up painful emotions and experiences.

So what can we do instead of asking graduating seniors about their future plans? Here are some alternative ways to engage with them:

1. Celebrate their accomplishments - As mentioned earlier, graduating from High School is a significant achievement. Instead of asking about future plans, take the time to acknowledge their hard work and dedication up to this point.

2. Ask about their interests and passions - Instead of focusing solely on their career prospects, ask about their interests and passions. This can help students explore potential career paths that align with their values and goals.

3. Offer support - Transitioning from High School to the "real world" can be challenging. Offer your support and let them know that you're there to help in any way you can.

4. Share your own experiences - If you've gone through a similar transition, share your own experiences with them. This can help normalize their feelings and provide them with guidance and support.

In conclusion, graduating from high school is a significant achievement that should be celebrated. Instead of asking graduating seniors about their future plans, we should focus on acknowledging their hard work and offering support during this transitional period. By doing so, we can create a more positive and supportive environment for students as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.