As a youth worker I’ve seen a lot of young adults graduate. At this time of every year it never fails that there are two groups of Seniors (Gr. 12s). The ones who have a plan and the ones that are panicking because they don’t have a plan. There are others too–but the vast majority seem to fit into the first two groups.
I remember in Gr. 11, or maybe Gr. 10, I was given the craziest list of possible occupations. There was, I kid you not, at least 300 different occupations on a piece of paper and it looked like a thousand. I’ve always been told by my parents that for women there were few options in their high school days–teachers or nurses. For men on the farm there were two options as well–university or farming.
A lot of people thrive on the huge number of choices and some people are paralyzed. A few years ago I read a book called The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less, that was a great look at why a lot of choices paralyze people who are making choices and result in less satisfaction.
I’m not sure I’m sold on everything on the book but one of the most important points that he makes is this: Most of us when faced with decisions try to imagine what option will bring us the most happiness, or success, or money.
This is the important part: Most of us are worried that we will miss out on great opportunities if we make the wrong choice. This fear of missed opportunity lowers our level of satisfaction even after we make our choice.
My recommendations for high school students (and I’ve seen a lot of them do well and a lot do poorly) are the following:
- Don’t be afraid to work before you go to college or university.Nobody wants to be working at a low level or difficult job, but working at a difficult job is a great motivator. The likelihood goes up that you will work harder, be more mature and possibly advance farther due to your experience at a tough job.
- Get moving. You don’t have to have the next thirty years planned out but if you’re moving you’re more likely to get a plan put together.
- Figure out what you need to do this month to make next year what you want it to be. If you need to save up money for a car… find another job. If you need to get to school… figure out financial options. Don’t leave it to the last minute, a lot of failures happen that way.
- Don’t blame other people. Be responsible for your life.
- Apply to school early if you wish to go. Research scholarships. Talk to people who have gone to the school, or at least a similar direction, and have success getting scholarships. Its important.
The last point to remember is this:
Always ask Gr. 11 and 12s what they are doing next year. It drives them nuts and will bring a smile to your face!
Thoughts 