Thursday, February 2, 2017

LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

By ALICIA ACEVEDO

Young people aren’t always ready for college. They are unprepared for the college-level coursework, financial responsibilities and freedom that they've been granted almost overnight. Most students don't have their “stuff” together as freshman in college and many don’t get it together until their junior year. This means that tens of thousands of dollars can be wasted because  students wind up partying or paying for classes they will not need because they have yet to decide on a major.  There are so many stories of kids going into debt for degrees that do nothing for them all because they can't think of anything else to do when they graduate from high school.

What some students don’t realize is that college is not mandatory.  Not everyone has to go to college right out of high school. Teenagers who are unsure of their futures might contemplate other options.  

ALICIA ACEVEDO FOR WIZARD WEEKLY
Students might want to consider taking some time off altogether to discover what they are passionate about.  If money is not an option, traveling is always a great way to discover oneself.     Backpack across the country.  Travel abroad.  The possibilities are endless.  High school graduates could also work for a few years to save money for when, and if, they do decide to go to college.  This can alleviate some of the financial burdens that students often find so stressful. 

Another option that students often overlook is volunteering for an organization such as The Peace Corps.  Students could also consider looking locally to make a difference in their own communities. If one has an interest in a particular trade, he or she should be on the lookout for jobs in that trade that will not only provide valuable experience, but also allow for opportunities to obtain certifications or licenses needed to succeed.  It is never too soon to get involved in networking. This can sometimes be just as important as going to college. 

Many students enter college and struggle being away from home where they were completely reliant on their parents.  Most professors like to emphasize that they are not their students’ parents. Mr. Davis, a college professor, mentioned, “Professors are there to teach the material and help students with their understanding of that material. They are not there to tell them that they are special, or to spoon feed them answers.” If this is a huge concern, one should consider going to a community college for a couple of years so as not to have to leave home before being ready.


When, and if, you decide that college is for you, remember that it isn’t easy. Don’t let yourself get down.   Keep working hard and you will be successful no matter which path you should choose. 

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