High School Graduation is a Pass-Through, Not a Final Destination!
It was the end of my senior year and my friends and I were all very excited for graduation day. After all the end-of-year activities such as our class trip, senior prom, and a host of other events, we were all ready to take on life as newly minted adults—at least we thought. After attending several open house celebrations, I realized some of my friends had plans to go on to college—some choosing community college and others choosing a university. I hadn’t given much thought to my plans after high school other than finding a better job. I was working in fast food at the time and was eager to try something new. For years, I upheld the importance of high school graduation as the thing I’d be most proud of. What I didn’t realize is that many of the jobs that would change my economic and social position in life all required a college education. Despite the efforts of extended family, I didn't have close friends who could share their experiences, and my parents never attended college. The thought of college was daunting and did not seem like a place I would fit in. The students and teachers did not look like they came from my neighborhood, and that fact was too big of a stressor to bear.
“Colleges and universities often have a multicultural office. Find that office, get connected, and let’s go be great!”
At the time, I had dreams of becoming a high school teacher. I earned good grades, had great relationships with many of my teachers, and despite recognizing that we occasionally drove them crazy, thought they had a pretty good gig. There was something very attractive about coming back and working with high school students someday. I did not realize that in order to accomplish this goal, I’d need to attend college for a minimum of four years. “Four more years of high school?!” I had no idea that college life would seem very different from high school. I’d never been on a college tour, never met with a college representative, and was completely clueless about how to select a college major. My extended family offered some support by sending scholarship opportunities my way but selecting a plan post-high school is so much more than money.
“Conversations about college and career choices should begin in elementary school.”
Students should see high school graduation as one step in the process and not the final destination. Helping students understand how middle and high school fit into the bigger picture of planning for a career, gives students information about the process and helps them stay actively engaged in their own success.
It’s important to talk to students about completing high school, but not as the final destination. Pursuing a college degree or some sort of formalized training after high school will be critical to success in the 21st century. Here are a few tips that will help start the conversation:
Think of your child as your student. “You Matter Most” and will be their biggest encourager, even if you don't have all the answers.
Ask the question: “What are you good at?” This dialogue will also give you room to encourage them to find ways to get involved in other related activities to hone their skills.
Talk to them about your job. Students often have no clue what their parents and family members do for a career. Use this as an opportunity to tell them about your line of what, the kind of training you complete to do a good job, and things you wish you would have done at their age.
Have them interview a relative, community leader, or neighbor. These are great ways for students to develop networking skills and get to know others around them who may work in a different career field from yours.
Let’s get involved! Finding time to get involved in the community can be extremely tricky during the school year. If your schedule does not allow you and your student(s) to volunteer in the community, encourage your child to get involved at school. Students learn a ton about themselves while helping others.
Hey, let’s go be great!
Dr. TB
