Beyond School: Career and College Ready

"Ms. Barness, why is it important for me to be thinking about high school graduation and beyond when I'm just in elementary or middle school?!" I get it...it's important for you to live in the now. Part of my job as a school counselor, however, is to encourage students to think about life in high school and beyond.  It's important to start to think about what you MIGHT want to do after high school and prepare for life after high school. Absolutely it is okay to change your mind, even adults change their mind about what they want to do as a career. : )

Why is it important? It's important so that school counselors, teachers, and other adults can help be sure you're prepared for whatever it is you want to do in life.  We can't always prepare for everything that happens in life, but thinking ahead is helpful. It is important to take high school classes that would help you prepare for life after high school graduation. In elementary you can start to learn and dream about careers. In middle school you can continue to learn and dream and begin to start planning. In high school you can continue to learn, dream, and put those plans into action to achieve your high school diploma.

Not everyone has to go to a 2- or 4-year college or university. Some careers may require less training, perhaps require on-the-job training, or some other type of specialized training. Some careers may require more than 4 years at college (needing a special degree). Perhaps you're interested in the military. Maybe volunteering, serving others, or AmeriCorp is catching your eye. Whatever it is that you want to do, make it be something that you love doing. Dream big. Reach high. Know there will be work involved along the way. Do good for the world. I believe in you~Let me know if I can help along the way.