Planning Life After High School
No matter what your high school background is, you all have four choices once you graduate high school. You will either go straight into the work force, go into the military, go to a four year college, or go to a technical school. No matter which path you choose, you need to be prepared. Graduation will be here before you know it, and you don't want to wake up the day after and ask yourself, "Now what?"
The military may be the right path for you. There is literature and contact information for the recruiters from all branches in the hall of the counseling center. Let me know if you want me reach out to a recruiter and have them contact you. We offer the ASVAB test each year on our campus, usually in January. Click here for ASVAB test prep.
Getting an appointment to a military academy is an involved and intense process and should be started at the end of junior year. Anyone who is pursuing this should be a scholar, a leader, and an athlete. They are looking for the best of the best. For more information about appointments, read this article.
Even if your plans are to go straight into the world of work, there are several things you should be doing to prepare such as learning to write a resume and networking. Talking to people you know about the future job you'd like to get is very helpful. Our work based learning, coordinator, Mr. Johannes, is a good person to ask about who is hiring.
If the path you have chosen is to continue your education by attending either a college or technical school, the earlier you start preparing in high school the better. During your senior year, I can help answer your questions as you prepare and help you choose the right school for you. If your college requires a letter of recommendation from the counselor, you should print this request off and return the paper copy to me. If you are using Common App, but your school does not require a letter from me, I still need you to send me a resume. I have to answer questions about you, so I need something from which to get my answers.
What if I still don't know what I want to do after high school?
First of all, don't panic. Most teenagers change their mind multiple times about their plans. While it might seem like every else knows exactly what they are doing, I can assure you that you are not the only one still searching. If you are still unsure, I recommend taking the YouScience test. It is an amazing tool and can help you figure what "you are good at" as well as what you will enjoy. It will also give you some direction in making this happen. The test measures aptitudes, interests, and then matches them to career opportunities. The test takes some time, but it is worth it.
To access the test, go to your Infinite Campus Portal>>Select more>>SLDS Portal>>My Career Plan>>YouScience
