After high school plans: ways to navigate the end of high school
By Averie Grace-Hayes
Graduating high school can be a daunting idea for most people. Considering colleges, searching for a job and transitioning into full independence can be intimidating. Even becoming a senior can be a scary change in a student’s life because of the new responsibilities and opportunities.
However, it is always comforting to realize that there are an infinite amount of post-high school paths for everybody—and it’s okay not to know what you want. Many students had the chance to share their stories about their grand plan for the future and this is how they went about it.
Olivia Garrett:
Picture of Olivia Garrett taken by Davina Garrett
Olivia Garrett is a junior at OHS and involves herself in tennis, journalism and the National Honor Society. In regards to her future, she plans to take the traditional route of attending a four-year college.
“I’m leaning towards probably in-state college like OU… or maybe out of state like KSU,” Garrett states.
Garrett has a passion for law enforcement, with a specific interest in criminal justice and security, but her main pursuit is to become a police officer. This requires her to go into the workforce right after college.
Although Garrett has many prospects for her future, she also expressed her nervousness about her upcoming senior year.
Garrett sighs, “It’s crazy, [this year has] gone by really fast, I think I’m pretty prepared. But there’s still so much stuff you have to do like applying to colleges and moving out of your house.”
In spite of her hesitation, Garrett plans to spend her senior year working hard and spending lots of time with family and friends, along with exploring more of Owasso. Garrett is also focused on expressing her gratitude for what she has now and savoring her time at home.
Eric Harding:
Picture of Eric Harding taken by Kayla Harding
Eric Harding, another junior at OHS, is seriously dedicated to his running as well as his AP classes— a solid road to excellent scholarships for even better colleges. Harding isn’t certain about what distinct career he wants to pursue, but he does plan on attending a popular, well-versed college.
Harding expresses, “I just want to find something to do to provide.”
Harding is heavily interested in history and writing as well as running track, for which he hopes to receive scholarship recognition.
Harding is not intimidated by going off to college. Instead, he feels ready to move on. But while he is content with progressing forward from high school, he isn’t as sure of living in a new area without his family.
Harding conveys, “It’s not about being on your own; it’s about being without your family.”
It’s safe to say that Harding, similar to Olivia Garrett, will be spending a significant portion of his remaining time in Owasso with his family.
Samuel Marshall:
Picture of Samuel Marshall taken by Traci Henderson
Samuel Marshall is a senior at OHS who has recently gotten his EMT certification. An EMT is a person who provides emergency medical care and mainly emergency medical transportation. Marshall is well on his way to pursuing a steady career after high school. Since Marshall has already acquired certification, he plans to get a job in the medical field soon.
“I am planning to get a summer job through Mercy Hospital or EMSA.”
Marshall was able to get his EMT training through Mike Miller, who owns and teaches a class in Pryor that is run through OSU. Once Marshall had passed all of the intricate exams, he became certified. With his parents having careers in the medical field, he felt a calling to pursue EMT training.
Marshall earnestly states, “Being an EMT would give me the experience I need [to get used to the medical field] ... and would give me more perspective [on the medical field].”
Marshall is unsure of what he would like to specifically specialize in, but he still wants to pursue a career by studying at either Baylor University or the University of Kansas. He believes that he’s ready to move on from high school and get his adult life started.
Pamela Kenworthy:
Picture of Pamela Kenworthy taken by herself
Pamela Kenworthy is also a senior at OHS. She is enrolled in AP art, plays the trombone in band and is making a way for herself in the world. Kenworthy knows exactly how she plans to spend her life after graduation: attending OSU, majoring in studio art and minoring in art history, with the end goal of being a museum curator. However, Kenworthy is slightly nervous about moving out.
“I feel like it’s a big jump from being a child to being in charge of yourself and wondering if you’re going to be able to make it.”
Kenworthy has come to the realization that she won’t have her family around all the time, but she shared that working and hanging out with friends helps distract her from worrying.
Kenworthy also happily states that, “painting helps a lot.”
With that in mind, Kenworthy has pretty much always known what path she wishes to pursue because of the electives she took in middle school and high school. Her passion for the arts has never faltered and will continue to grow as she establishes her career.
To conclude her high school years, Kenworthy will be spending the rest of her time trying to enjoy the remainder of her adolescence, without all of the adult responsibility.
Whether you’re planning on going to a 4-year college, straight into the workforce, or don’t have a plan yet, it’s okay and normal to be anxious about leaving home and moving on from high school. Whatever the plan is, try to enjoy the last years of high school with family, friends and the people you love around you.