By OLIVIA PURTELL
West York High School
What are you doing with the rest of your life? If you’re approaching senior year of high school, your friends, teachers, family members and even strangers are asking you this question. I have gotten tired of this conversation. I’ve decided to share a couple of dos and don’ts to make it easier on everyone.
If you’re asking:
1. Don’t assume
College is great, but it’s not for everyone. Some of us go to technical schools or jump straight into the work force. Asking, “Where are you going to college?” could make me feel as though I am doing something wrong.
2. Don’t give advice
It’s nice that you want to help, but there is so much information being thrown at me that your two cents is likely something I’ve heard before. I know how to ask if I want your advice, and often, I will. “I know that they have been through the same situation and understand what we are going through,” said Hayden Taylor, a senior at West York High School.
3. Do encourage
We are two different people. My plan for the future might be different than yours, and that’s OK. It’s scary trying to figure out where you’ll spend the next few years of your life, so just let me know that I’m going to find my way.
4. Don’t act surprised
Some students will surprise you. You might think that I would make a perfect vet, but that’s not what I’m interested in. Or you might be worried that my plans are changing. “It gets annoying,” said West York Area High School senior Raychel Johnson. “I have no clue what I want to go to college for.” What doesn’t change is the people who say, “You’ll figure it out,” when their face says, “You should know what you want to do by now.” Many colleges report that more than half of their students change their major at least once. I’m just betting that I will ahead of time.
5. Do listen
I do want to share what I’m thinking with you. Hearing it out loud again and again might get tedious for me, but it helps me lay out what I really thought about schools or what I’m thinking about studying. If you ask the question, be prepared to hear what I have to say.
If you’re answering:
1. Don’t be afraid to be honest
Not everyone is going to agree with the choices that I make. Some people might love a school that I just wasn’t that into. But I cannot be afraid of what other people think, or feel the need to tell them what they want to hear.
2. Do ask questions
If I’m talking to an adult family member or friend, I should ask them about their experience. They’ve been through the whole process and might know some of the important things for me to think about. “I like to hear what they have to say, because there are times when they point out something I would have never considered,” said Emily Gibbs, a senior at Northeastern High School.
3. Don’t overwhelm yourself
I’m going to receive advice from a lot of different people. “I am definitely thankful for the advice, but sometimes it gets overwhelming knowing I’m choosing my future at such a young age,” Taylor said. If I’m getting information I’ve heard before or it’s coming from a source that I don’t trust, I’ll filter it out. I’ll only focus on the pieces that are most important to me.
4. Do your homework
People will ask specific questions about size, location, academic programs and more. I have to be prepared to answer with more than “I don’t know.” Not only will this help my conversation flow smoothly, but this also is important information that will ultimately help me make my decision.
5. Do be proud
It doesn’t matter where I’m going or what I’m doing. If it’s the right fit for me, I should be proud of it. “Making these decisions is very empowering,” Gibbs said. I have worked hard to get through high school, and I shouldn’t have to worry if my plans are good enough for everyone else. If I celebrate my accomplishments, everyone else will, too.
