TRAVERSE CITY — It’s that time of year when high school seniors are really ramping up their plans for what comes after they graduate. From joy to fear, seniors are feeling all kinds of emotions as their time in high school nears an end. Whether it’s college, trade school, the military or immediately entering the workforce, there are things that can be done to make the transition a lot easier.
“I think that it’s really helpful to just start talking about different careers starting freshman year. Just opening the door to possibilities and different options,” said Traverse City Central High School Guidance Counselor Brandee Ludka.
For Traverse City Area Public Schools students, the conversation about what comes after high school actually starts, in middle school. Ludka says that’s when students can begin using an online program called Xello. It’s kind of a career matchmaker, “Our students take career interest inventories, and it measures your personality style. It asks you a ton of questions on what where you want to work, what types of things you like to do.”
That can be a helpful tool, but things like that should not set things in stone. “They also aren’t sure what they want to do. So, they’re too nervous about saying, well, I’m going to go to a four-year college, but I’m going to start paying money for something I don’t even know what I want to be or what I want to do,” she said.
Northwestern Michigan College Admissions counselor, Kyle Ferill, recommends a starting point, which for kids at TC Central, could be heading right next door to NMC. Beginning with the class of 2024, it’s free to go through the Michigan Community College Guarantee. “And start at NMC or at another community college in, you know, whatever area the student wants to be, so that they can marshal the resources so that they can save money for that first two years and then have more ability, more, you know, resources that are saved for that third and fourth year at a four-year college for, a bachelor’s degree,” said Ferill.
If a student does choose to go to college, the overall experience should also be considered. Child psychologists warn parents not to send their kids with a solely career-oriented mind-set. They say that can be daunting and counterproductive. It may be more important for students to explore all aspects and opportunities rather than have a fixed agenda and Ferill agrees, “I think that college should be not only you know, a time of growth personally and academically and intellectually, but also a time that’s enjoyable. And we should all look back on our college years with, you know, positive, positive emotions.”Not all kids will opt to go the community college route. Many will head to a four-year institution and that’s where concerns over cost arise.
According to the education data initiative, after adjusting for inflation, average college tuition has increased a whopping 748% since 1963. Ludka recommends that all students, no matter income level, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA, “So, it’s always in your benefit to fill out a FAFSA, even if you feel like your family is not going to qualify for any like free money. And every college has a calculator. So, you could put in, you know, what you think your income is and it will like tell you how much they think they would get.”
Whatever students choose to do after high school, adults in their life can always lend the support they need to overcome any fears they have about what comes next. “Parents are awesome resources, but sometimes parents, if they’re not an awesome resource, then lean on the adults in school, like while you’re still in high school. Ask the questions of your teachers. Ask questions of your counselors, even of your principals,” said Ludka.