I know exactly how you are feeling right now. It sucks. But I am here to tell you that everything will be okay.
Your mom and dad have probably said “It’s okay honey, you will figure it out!” But you know they are just waiting for you to come home one day after school and tell them that you have made a decision. -- One week I would come home from high school saying I was completely set on one university, the next week I would come home set on living at home and working full time. I know it takes time to figure it out. Listen to your gut. Make sure you go and visit each campus or job site, it makes all the difference!
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All of the holiday gatherings since junior year each and every one of your family members has asked, “So what are your plans for next year?” and you reply, “Uhh I’m not sure yet.” When will they stop asking?! -- At one point during my senior year, I made up a whole scenario about deciding to go to a college just so they would stop asking me. Feel free to try it, it actually worked ;)
All of your friends have committed to a future college and even bought a new t-shirt with the mascot on it. How in the world could my friend group break up and all do different things after we graduate? -- Every single friend in my friend group decided to go to a different college. I knew that the day would come when we were all separated but it just seemed unreal and scary that we wouldn’t all be together the following year. I also didn’t want to choose what I was doing the following year just because that’s where one of my friends would be going. Try to think about all the new friends or coworkers that you will be meeting in the future. You will always have your high school friends, so think about how great it will be to reach out and meet new people!
The pressure to find the perfect thing for YOU for next year is on. -- Again, I know it’s hard, confusing, annoying, and frustrating! Take as much time as you need. I didn’t decide what my final plans were until late March of my senior year, where I didn't decide my college major until halfway through my first year!
If you have absolutely NO clue what you are wanting to do, here are some good questions to ask yourself.
Do you want to experience college?
Why?
Do you want to get a higher education?
What were your favorite classes throughout high school?
Are you handy with a special trade like construction or mechanics?
Would you consider a trade school?
What about community college?
Do you still want to live at home?
Or move far away?
Is the military a possible option?
What about an apprenticeship?
Will you be able to afford whichever choice you are leaning toward?
Would you want to take a year off to save money? -- I know you are probably thinking why does it even matter?
Or wishing that you could just stay in high school forever. These questions really can help even if you don’t think they will. These are questions that my parents asked me and that I asked myself when trying to figure out what to do after my senior year in high school.
I am here to tell you everything will be okay and that you will figure it out. I know you have heard this a million times, but it is so true. Eventually choosing what is best for you comes down to thinking long and hard about what you really want. What might be a great choice for your best friend might be the wrong choice for you. Remember, you can always change your mind! -- It took me what seemed like FOREVER to decide what I was going to do after my senior year. After considering taking time off and working full time, taking classes at the local community college, going far, staying close, and almost everything in between, I am so happy to love the college that I chose. Iowa State University has been so great to me and no matter what you chose to do after your senior year of high school, I hope that it makes you as happy as my post high school choice has made me.
