What are your plans after high school? “Achieving a degree in engineering.” -Ethan Flora
Editorial cartoon by Name Art by Annabelle Ott
We applaud students who take alternative paths
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STAFF EDITORIAL inding the right path to follow after high school is a battle that many teens deal with. Some teens take the traditional path of a four-year college. The popularity of attending college is becoming a less popular option. This year it has become more apparent that seniors are straying away from tradition. There are a handful of students taking gap years, going into the military and seeking employment. In the past, these options have been frowned upon, but leave it to Gen-Z to change that. Students in the past have paved the way for the class of 2021 to feel comfortable taking these alternative paths. Students in this class find that being happy and comfortable with what you are doing is more important than other stressors. The students that are taking these alternative paths for their future are extremely brave and ahead of their time. These students are changing the narrative for generations of students to come. There are plenty of ways to find success and happiness outside of a college campus. Going into college can be gut-wrenching, especially when your career is undecided. For some, they found their
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passions early on. They could have even found them when we were asked in kindergarten, but for others, these ideas became less tangible. Finding a career path that you are passionate about is hard to do when you have never fully experienced the field. That’s why making that decision at 18, fresh out of high school can be difficult. For this reason, many students choose an alternative path. The investment of a four-year college education is necessary for some fields, so it is justified for people to go for that reason. If a student does not want to be in a field that requires a degree then there is no need for a traditional path. Most importantly, creating your own path that is individualized to your own needs and interests is what students should be doing. Following a path that has been walked by many people can dampen individuality. Careers are completely subjective to the person pursuing them, so it is important to leave other’s opinions behind. Breaking out of the mold after high school is a commended decision. Allowing oneself to be completely in tune with their own desires is admirable and is paving the way for future graduates.
“Setting my goal for a major in architecture.” -Jack Wait
“Getting any degree in areospace engineering.” -Andy Litle
“Going to college for international business.” -Dylan Kale
“Enroll into a nursing program.” -Carly Mayer
Text and photos by Wyatt Rivers
