There are many different paths a person can take after graduating from high school. Every year, this choice overwhelms seniors who are about to graduate because of the many different adventures someone can take. Many are worried about what choice is best for them and their future but do not know where to start when looking at the different paths. While some roads may lead straight to a four-year college campus, others may lead a person to the military, where some people can show off their skills, but how does someone tell what path is right for them? Let us explore the different paths someone can take to fit their life seamlessly.
Parents always tell their kids how important getting an education and going to college is, but it is not always right for every person. How does one tell if college is the right option? Well, it is super easy; someone must look at what they want in life. If someone already has a degree picked out and a job they want to enter, college is the correct answer. As a Junior who wants to get a PhD in history, Jillian Kleespies states, “For me, I think college is the right answer if you already know what you do. Depending on what you are doing, you’re going to need a degree or get started as soon as possible.” Kleespies knows what she is talking about because college is a great way to learn about the job you are going into. Money can also influence someone’s decision; for instance, someone may not have the money to go to college, so they choose cheaper options, such as going into the military. Abe Lyons, who has had many family members enlisted, stated, “The military is a good path for people who are still trying to find their path in life. Not only do people get to serve their country and travel, they gain experience in whichever field they are assigned, which could help them determine their ultimate career.”
The military is an excellent option for people who struggle financially. The military pays for all or almost all college tuition, with only having to work for them for three years. Free education is not the only reason someone would join the military; the military can also give someone job experience while deciding what path they want to take in life. The military is not the only way to save money.
Trade schools can also help someone save money, as they offer a fast track to a stable career. This fast track is a big reason why many people choose this path. Trade schools focus on specialized fields and only take six months to two years for most courses, although some courses can be taken and finished in less than six months. Most trade schools focus on hands-on learning, so graduates are already job-ready when they graduate, compared to their four-year counterparts.
Although there are many different paths a student can go down, it is important to remember that all that is needed to discover the right path is to look at the different options that fit the lifestyle a student wants to embody. Whether it be a four-year college, the military, or a trade school, all options can help someone go down the path that will help them most in life.
