About This Lesson
Senior year of high school can be one of the most challenging times in the life of a student. Not only are they worried about graduation, prom and getting good grades, but they are also faced with the challenging decision of what to do after. While your students may be confused about what to do once their senior year is over, you can help them by discussing their options. Many students think their only option is to go to college or get a job. However, there are many other options that should be discussed rationally with them so they can make the best choice.
A Year Off
A year off, commonly referred to as a gap year, helps students in a number of ways. If your student was taking difficult classes, a year off between high school and attending college can help them avoid burnout. If your student is undecided about his/her future, taking a year off can help them mature and experiment in the real world so they can really nail down their college major. Essentially this year off is a period of exploration and personal growth so they can truly discover themselves and focus on a career choice rather than just getting a job and feeling stuck.
Travel
Another option is to travel for a period of time if that is what truly interests your student. Traveling can be done during a period of time off between high school and college and allow them to become responsible and independent. Traveling abroad can teach them about different cultures, languages and business practices. Obviously the only drawback to having a student that wants to travel the world before college is the cost. However, there are ways to alleviate these costs and still allow them the freedom to see the world. Look for organizations where your child can volunteer abroad and have expenses paid. He/She could also look for job opportunities in the travel field such as an attendant on a cruise ship or airline attendant.
Military Service
Another great option for your student is to serve in the military. Serving in the military comes with many benefits. It could allow your student to travel depending on what branch of the military they join and it allows them to learn a trade as well. The military even allows its members to attend college after a certain period of time served. Careers learned in the military can be helpful to make a career in the civilian world once the student has fulfilled his/her time promised.
Intern/Apprentice
If your student just isn't one who likes the classroom, then they have the option after high school to become an intern or apprentice. As an intern or apprentice, they will be learning hands on in a career of their choosing. During their apprenticeship, they will be introduced to a career and decide whether they like it before fully committing to it for a lifetime. Internships and apprenticeships can save money for families of students in the long run by helping them find out what they truly want to focus on doing before attending college rather than paying for something they are still undecided about.
Trades and Certificates
Another option is to learn and trade or just earn a certificate in a field of study. Learning a trade alongside an expert in a field of study is another way to make a career out of doing something that you love. Not everything can be taught in a classroom and if this really interests your student, let them make that decision. The same can be said for certificate programs. They are often not as long and complicated as a college education, but still require a certain degree of focus.
Remember, not every student learns the same. Although many will want to go to college directly after high school, it is important that you listen to them and allow them to make their own decisions. Their future and happiness depends on it!
