As graduation gets closer, seniors are forced to start thinking about what their future will look like. There are many different factors seniors have to consider in these decisions. Choosing which college to go to isn’t easy, and each decision impacts the future.
When it comes to the future, making decisions can be scary. The thought required to make so many decisions can cause anxiety and stress as spring semester progresses. Jack Keller, a senior, prepares for his future with carefully thought out plans.
“I am going to the University of Texas at Austin; it was a fairly recent decision I made, after doing some research into the programs they offered and the city itself, I decided that that was where I needed to be. The application process itself was fairly simple, with UT being so competitive I spent a lot of time reworking my essay over and over because in the end a college may look at stats and everyone has the same stats, but they want to see what makes you different,” Keller said. “I originally was very set on going to UTA and staying local; that would have kept me from kind of looking at these other places. And eventually, when I did look at UT I realized ‘Hey, this is way better’. I don’t think that it will be as big of a change as it may sound. It’s exciting and I’m nervous [to live] away from home”
Choosing what you want to major in is one of the most important decisions to make. While your college years may be short, they have an impact on future career and life choices. Keller believes while the few years in college might impact your life, it doesn’t mean that is what you’re stuck with.
“Keep in mind that the college you go to does not define your life and your future, it will kind of be the lifestyle you live for the next few years. Focus on your degree and your plan, but don’t let that consume you, because in the end, you know what you want to do, and you’ll be able to do it no matter where you go, just focus on where you think you’ll be the happiest,” Keller said.
With college preparations underway many high school seniors feel the stress of the upcoming decisions. From who to room with to maintaining their GPA for the rest of their time in high school, seniors are constantly thinking. Senior Madison Melo appreciates her time in high school, but come move-in time she will be college ready.
“I’m headed to San Diego and I made this decision because I really enjoy the environment there, it’s really a breath of fresh air because you’re surrounded by nature, you’re right near the beach, and San Diego has really good resources to be able to graduate on track,” said Melo. “I feel like high school gets very repetitive, to where you’re just doing the same routine every day, and college gives the chance and freedom to explore new things while also getting a higher education. Lake Ridge has shaped me into someone who’s more confident about going into the real world because of the environment that I am in. It got me ready to go out and make new friends. I’m most looking forward to the freedom, I feel it’s just more fun, but I definitely will miss all of the friends I’ve made in high school.”
Moving away for college is hard on parents and students, but the newfound freedom and experiences make it worthwhile. Taylor McGruder, a senior, gets ready to move a state away for college and start a new chapter.
“I’m headed to Louisiana State University; I went on a college visit, I saw the campus, and I have so many friends and family there, I got [in] to my desired major. It’s [Lake Ridge] made me really resilient, but also better at balancing school and social life. [It taught me] to not be so stuck in school that I’m stressed out, but also not only be into social situations,” McGruder said.
While many seniors have finalized college choices, the stress isn’t over yet. Preparing for a new environment is scary, but it’s a leap that must be taken. Even though all the decisions leading up to college are hard to make, graduation is the first step towards building a future.