Back to School Means Next Steps: A Guide for Parents and Graduating Seniors

The start of a new school year often brings excitement and anticipation. But for families with a graduating senior, it can also be a time of both joy and uncertainty. As the countdown begins to that momentous cap-toss, it’s crucial to start planning for the next chapter. Whether your graduate is heading to college, trade school, the military, or starting their own business, this guide will help you navigate the road ahead.

For the Parents

• Open Communication: The most important thing is to maintain open and honest conversations with your graduate. Understand their goals, dreams, and fears. Encourage them to explore different options without pressure.
• Build Your Support Circle: Who are the key staff on campus that will be helping your students towards graduation? Start an email not only showing an open line of communication, but also build a team to show support and get info on what needs to be done.
• Financial Planning: Start discussing financial responsibilities. Create a budget together, explore scholarship opportunities, and research student loan options. Consider setting up a separate bank account for your graduate to manage their finances independently.
• Emotional Support: This is a big transition for both of you. Be patient, understanding, and supportive of their emotions. Celebrate their accomplishments and offer guidance without being overbearing.
• Let Go (Gradually): While it’s natural to want to protect your child, it’s essential to encourage independence. Let them make decisions, even if they’re not the ones you would choose. Trust in their ability to learn from their experiences.

For the Graduating Senior

• Checks & Balances: Make sure you’re in the right classes to avoid any last minute issues, such as needing an extra credit or credit recovery to gain credits due to lack of attendance. Meet with your counselor or registrar on campus to take a look over your transcript for any discrepancies. Human errors happen, so it is always good to check.
• Self-Reflection: Take some time to reflect on your passions, strengths, and values. What excites you? What are you good at? What kind of life do you want to build?
• Explore Options: Research different paths: college, trade school, military, or entrepreneurship. Consider your interests, career goals, and financial situation.
• Create a Plan: Develop a clear plan for your next steps. Set short-term and long-term goals. Create a timeline and break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps.
• Build Your Network: Start networking with people in your desired field. Attend industry events, connect with alumni, and leverage social media. Building relationships can open doors.
• Develop Essential Skills: Focus on skills like time management, problem-solving, and communication. These skills are valuable in any career path.

Planning for Different Paths

• College: Research colleges, majors, and financial aid options. Consider campus visits and attending college fairs.
• Trade School: Explore trade schools that offer programs aligned with your interests. Consider job placement rates and industry demand.
• Military: Research different branches, explore job opportunities, and understand the enlistment process.
• Gap Year: A year to work, travel, volunteer, or gain new experiences before your next big step in life.
• Entrepreneurship: Develop a business plan, research market demand, and consider seeking mentorship.
• Straight to Work: Graduating high school and starting a full-time job right away allows you to earn money, gain work experience, and develop real-world skills.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The most important thing is to support your graduate in finding their own path. This is an exciting time filled with endless possibilities. Embrace the journey together and celebrate every milestone along the way.

Resource Bank

• College: College Board-Big Future, College Navigator, Niche
• Trade School: CareerOneStop, National Council for Occupational Education, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force
• Gap Year: AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, Global Citizen Year, Gap Year Association, EF Gap Year, Go Overseas
• Entrepreneurship: SBA Young Entrepreneurs, Startup School
• Straight to Work: CareerOneStop, Job Corps, Apprenticeship

Mz. Whitsdom (who deems herself as the ‘Postsecondary Planner’) has over a decade of experience in college and career readiness, academic advising, and college admissions recruitment and has gotten students to acceptance, attendance, and graduation from various colleges; including Dartmouth, Colby, University of Texas at Austin, Fisk, Cornell, Howard, and more. She has also guided students to various trade programs and careers in Cosmetology, IT, and other skilled labor trades. Email for advising services at WhitsdomAcademy@gmail.com.