College is, of course, a well-traveled road; then again, it is definitively not the only road. This exciting period – the period between high school completion and college – happens to be a very formative ground for retrieving some lost or missed elements: for discovery, reexamination, and paving the way for one’s future.
College : Reflection and Planning
It is important to self-reflect for an hour prior to impulsive action. Where did you get most excited about what you were learning in high school? In what area did you experience great accomplishment or success? What extracurricular activities have you felt truly passionate about? What were the chief obstacles? What kinds of skills did you develop that you want to continue to exercise? Powerful ways of doing this learning may be journaling, taking personality assessments—or even scheduling an appointment with a career counselor—where you can learn more about yourself.
Beyond the Classroom View of the World
- Travel: The world is one big classroom; the education it offers has no known limitations. Backpacking across Europe, volunteering in a developing nation, or perhaps even making a road trip about the country will change your life. Engaging with different cultures expands the horizons for you as a person and pushes one out of their comfort zone, making them independent and globally aware.
- Work: Immerse in the world of work and get hands-on experience. Whether it is a summer job, working part-time, or doing an internship, these help to have a crash course in responsibility, communication, working with others, and time management. It only offers a great chance to test out career choices one might be making, develop great soft skills that most future employers look for in a candidate.
- Volunteering: Help a good cause and enrich your skills, as well as experiences, through volunteering. Whether at an animal shelter, working with a local environmental initiative, mentoring younger students, or helping out at the soup kitchen, volunteer work enhances compassion, exposes to new challenges, and enhances one’s résumé.
- Learn New Things: Expand your knowledge and skills in areas that interest you. Take an online coding course or to learn a new language. Attend workshops about photography or master pottery.
- Follow Your Interests: Rekindle the activities that you have lost during the hectic schedule and pressures of high school. It could be playing an instrument, some writing of poems, drawing, or dancing, some hobbies; spending time on the creation of interests felt passionate about will feel truly fulfilling.
Get Ready for College (if that is Your Choice):
- Standardized Tests: Almost all four-year colleges require either the SAT or ACT. Take these tests the summer after graduation in order to allow plenty of time to retest. Discuss with your teachers or a test prep advisor a study plan that will yield the greatest amount from your studying time.
- College Applications: If you have been thinking about moving on to college, now would be a great time to consider institutions that are the right fit for your major, location, and budget. Research schools through college search engines and use the extensive support and materials provided by your high school counselor.
Nontraditional Paths: Rethinking Success
- Gap Year Programs: Structured gap year programs are designed to create the perfect combination of adventuring, service, and personal growth. Such opportunities may offer irreversibly essential skills and experiences, help develop self-reliance, and shape future academic or career paths.
- Trade Schools or Vocational Training: You don’t have to go to college to enjoy a rewarding career. Oftentimes, trade schools and vocational training concentrate on specific training in high-demand areas that can lead to better employment opportunities and increases in earning capacity.
- Entrepreneurship: Got a super business idea? It may be time to turn that dream into reality. There are resources available all around you, from the non-profit group SCORE that offers free mentoring for small businesses to the workshops offered by your local business incubators. Do a little market research, write up a business plan, and start small.
The Final Chapter: Stepping into the Future
The period from high school graduation to college is formative for both personal and professional growth. So, travel the world, volunteer your precious time, or dive into some new skill; this period will help you gain valuable life experiences which will help in identifying your strengths and solidifying your vision for the future. As you prepare to enter the next chapter of life, keep in mind how these years will be about developing skills and acquiring experiences that, in the long run, will have the greatest impact. Take a deep breath, let it out slowly, and step confidently into the really exciting world that lies beyond. Keep in mind: This is just the beginning of your awesome adventure!
