Do students really know their post-high school options?

By Jacob Drahusz and Brian Kivel

At this time of year, college letters are beginning to flood students’ mailboxes, and seniors are focusing more on their post-high school plans. But is college the only option?

Hannah Drahusz is a junior in college. She wants to become a science teacher. She talks about how college is the only option for her.

“I’m going to be a teacher, so going to college and getting my four year degree is the only way that will happen.”

But she doesn’t think that this path is for everyone. She believes that you don’t need college to be a successful person, and that everyone should use their own strengths.

“I don’t think it’s a requirement to be successful, everybody has their own traits that can help them be successful, and you don’t necessarily have to go through college in order to get a job and make money.” 

Senior Laken Kinard is also planning on going to college. Like Hannah, she wants to be a teacher and needs a bachelor’s degree. But unlike Hannah, Laken thinks college is necessary to be successful.

“I wish it was different because college can be very stressful and not the right thing for everybody. But if you look at successful as being lots of money then yeah, I think you need a college degree most times in our society.”

According to the Education Data Initiative, college enrollment in the U.S. peaked in 2010 when over 21 million people enrolled. Over time, this enrollment has dwindled and was down to around 18 million just last year.

Some students are choosing other options, like going to the military or workforce fresh out of high school.

Jacob Blue is a high school senior. He explains why his decision to commit to the army and train to be an EMT was best for him.

“I picked it because I knew I didn’t want to go to college. And this is a path that if I do take it, I wouldn’t have any regrets. What I’m doing is trying to help people and save lives. And then on top of that, the benefits that I get, I don’t think I’ll ever be upset that I went this way.”

Brady Reed is a sophomore in college. He also didn’t want to go to college at first.

“I didn’t really wanna go to college because I didn’t do very well in high school, but now that I’m at college I feel like it’s very important and I enjoy it.”

Along with Hannah and Laken, his passion for becoming a teacher pushed him to go. This is why Jacob agrees that it’s important for students to look into and think about their future before making these decisions.

“I think a lot more people need to look at other options, not even just the army but two-year community colleges, doing what they can to think about what they’re setting up for their futures first and not just what they’re comfortable with.”

Some students know that going to college is a requirement when it comes to their chosen career. But it’s important to keep in mind that there are other options like joining the army, going to community college, or entering the workforce. It’s worth taking the time to make the decision that will work best for you.

I’m Jacob Drahusz, and I’m Brian Kivel, and this is Trojan News.