Success without college
Photo courtesy of michaelrlewis.org
November 10, 2020
Throughout high school, the number one question you will be asked is “What are you doing after high school?” Most students don’t know, but there are plenty of different options.
Westerville North counselors have worked together to create a place where students can find more information about post-high school opportunities; which can be found under the Pupil Services tab on Westerville North’s website.
Julie Taylor is a counselor at Westerville North and has noticed that most graduates go into the military, trade schools or employment if they don’t attend college. Taylor explains that you can search for more careers in Naviance if you are unsure about what you want to do post-high school.
“Students should have some type of plan with a goal in mind. Having a plan can save students a lot of time and money,” Taylor said. “Figure out what you want to work towards. If you’re not sure, take an interest survey [such as the one in Naviance], talk to people who work the job you would like to do one day, what did it take for them to get there, job shadow, narrow your options down and get focused.
Westerville North graduate Kraige Lowe, decided to not attend college and is currently training to become a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning technician (HVAC) at Uptown Heating and Cooling.
“This job has been beneficial because it will help me start a business when I’m older, make more money, and also not having to go to college,” Lowe said.
Lowe explains that creating an organized schedule and networking would best prepare you for a job post-high school.
Emma Bolen, another North graduate, has decided to take a semester off and live in San Francisco with her uncle and older sister to make and save money for college.
“I am working at Starbucks 5-6 days a week and I also work at an office building filing papers a couple of hours a week. My sister and I both work all day so after work, we usually go somewhere fun like the beach or go to the city,” Bolen said.
Bolen explains that this was perfect timing because she was originally supposed to attend Ohio University this fall.
Since most colleges were not opening back up, this path has brought her new experiences that have allowed her to go to new places and make money.
There are many factors to consider when moving across the country, but Bolen explains that she prepared a lot before she left.
“First I made sure I had a place to live and thankfully my uncle said I could stay with him! I found jobs nearby and applied for those, so I had a job before I got there [California]. Then I planned a road trip, bought hotels, packed and left,” Bolen said.
