Last Call!

The upcoming year after graduation is the time when the decisions you make could affect and determine the rest of your life! That's a lot of pressure. Being a senior and knowing you're about to graduate can be very “nerve racking” according to Makaela T. a senior at Pact.

When asked how they feel about being a senior, others answered saying they felt no different, excited and scared so no one person feels the same way. No matter what, they're all in the same boat, the months at Pact are drawing to a close and the real world is drawing closer.

Some Pact seniors are on the brink of making the biggest decisions of their lives, how does it make them feel? Some felt as if it was “freedom” according to Jim K., a senior at Pact, and others, “I am anxious, scared, and excited at the same time,” said Sam C. another senior at Pact. A lot of the seniors have spent most of their lives at Pact and it can be scary, exciting, and freeing for some of the students.

Others have been away for a few years, the seniors who have been doing PSEO. Jacque D. a PSEO student and senior said that “It's a little sad but I've been away from Pact for two years so its easier to leave, I'm excited for college.”Leaving, for some will be hard, especially considering the memories that will stick with them forever.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a little more than three in every five high school graduates continue on to college after their senior year, which means at least 30 of Pacts seniors will go to college to continue onto a career. One big question for the them is what career do they want to go into? If they're not going to college, what will some of these seniors become?

Many may change their minds years into it, but some have a plan. “After I graduate I want to go into the special forces and join the army,” said Jim K, “I'm going to go to Anoka Ramsey for two years then maybe go into a science or medical career,” Sam C. said.

One big thing that was noticed in the interviews when students were asked, was that many aren't really sure what they want to be and are just planning on going to college. This is okay, and eventually later in their college years they will figure it out.

Luckily for PACT seniors we have a lot of help making these decisions. First, we obviously have our parents. They have already been there to guide and support us along the way, making a big decision like this is no different. Seniors worried about their plans should talk it over with their parents. I mean, they had to make this decision too at one point, we can learn from their experience.

Second, we go to school in a small environment that is like a second family. Many of the teachers at PACT have known us for many years, and have watched us grow and develop as young adults. Seniors worried about where to go next should talk to their former and current teachers. Like our parents, they had to make this decision and can provided valuable experience. However unlike parents, our teachers can give us insights (and evaluations) about our skill set in the academic world, which could help us pick a better college option and major.

Last, and definitely not least, we have Ms Kobes! Our guidance counselor is here to help us make this important decision. Ms Kobes has multiple years of experience in this position, lots of information about various colleges, her own experience having to make this decision, and a wealth of knowledge about post-high school life, obstacles, and opportunities.

In talking to Ms Kobes, she made it clear that Seniors making this decisions shouldn’t make it for anyone else, because in the end it is our life and our goals. Being stuck in a major or situation we aren’t personally invested in, or interested in, could result in poor grades or even poor decisions – like dropping out.

She also made it clear to not let rumors or half truths about: the economy, college costs, etc paralyze us from making a decision. Besides the FAFSA, there are a wealth of scholarships available to help students pay for college. Don’t let your financial situation get in the way of your future!

This senior year will bring a lot of great memories. Pacts seniors will stress over college applications, what awaits in their future, and graduation, throughout it all, this senior year will require a lot of growing up for some students in just a short amount of time. Seniors will make this decision soon, and be ready to step into the next chapter of their lives.