By Alexis Carr
Many students in high school have a set plan as to what they wish to do upon graduation day. The majority of graduates decide to go college, others decide to take a gap year and attend college after, and some decide not to go to college at all. There is plenty of conversation and assistance for those who wish to go to college right after high school, but what about those who decide not to?
What should students consider when taking a gap year or not going to college at all?
Some students decide to take a gap year to recharge or reinforce their decision on what career they wish to pursue. Some students decide not go to college at all because of the high expenses, they wish to join the workforce right away, or what they want to do doesn’t require going to a college.
Elisa Rosales a senior from the Communications Academy on taking a gap year after graduation.
“When taking this gap year my plan is to save up money to buy a car and to get an apartment. From there, I will continue to save up money for college and hopefully receive help from financial aid because I am paying for college myself, not my mom,” said Rosales.
Most students struggle to decipher what is the best move to make after high school. Guidance counselor, Art Preuss explains the dangers of taking a gap year and what to consider when doing so or not going to college.
“Obviously you need to have a plan. Hopefully when taking a year off you are working and not sitting at home,” he said.
“Prepare so once the following fall comes you are ready and have a place to go,” Preuss said.
“One of the dangers of waiting is that some kids don’t end up going because as time goes on they may have a job and they are making money. It is difficult to stop the job, stop making money, and then on top of that they plan on going to school and paying a lot of money. Some people decide to stick to their jobs and keep getting money to avoid getting in debt,” he explains.
“Obviously you need to have a plan. Hopefully when taking a year off you are working and not sitting at home.”
— Art Preuss, IT counselor
“For those who aren’t going to college, you want to seek employment and have a game plan as to what you’re going to do the rest of the way. College isn’t for everyone, but have a plan and do something you enjoy doing. The military is an option for some, but you need to have a plan if you aren’t. You don’t want to be a former senior sitting in your parent’s basement with nothing to do,” he said.
Emma Evans, a General Studies senior, gives her perspective on the topic and explains her reasoning as to why she has decided to take a gap year.
“There’s a lot of stigma into going to college, but a lot of students especially my age don’t know what to do,” she said. “
All I knew was that I really wanted to help people and give back. By doing this gap year I really think I will be able to get insight into what kind of jobs I’m going to be able to do and have more experience to see what fits my mold best,” Evans said.
“I am joining a program after high school that allows me to travel to different countries and give back to the community. I will be doing a wide variety of things that range from working with children, to building houses, working on schools, and also being able to teach in them,” she said.
“Colleges will be able to look at what I’ve done and see that I have those experiences and skills,” she said.
“Some people just aren’t built for college. If you don’t want to go, do something that’s best for your future, not for someone else’s. If it’s not best for you now, don’t do it now but it will always be there. Do what you’re passionate about and don’t worry about what others are doing.”