Imagine walking into a buffet; there are so many diverse options in front of you, each offering a unique flavor and experience. In many ways, high school students can be compared to that buffet. Each student carries different dreams, ambitions, and goals. The question of “What’s next?” has diverse answers. Here’s a look at the journeys of a few seniors as they share their dreams of life after high school.
Isaac Tucker, a senior here at Armuchee, plans to attend college and study biomedical engineering to become a medical technician. Isaac said, “I have always been committed to pursuing a career in biology. This career combines the best of both science and math.” Isaac’s love for biology started at a young age. Isaac said, “The body and biology have always interested me. I read a ton of amazing animal books and watched a lot of Wild Kratts.” Many students, however, face financial challenges in higher education. When asked, Isaac said, “I am worried about student debt, although hopefully I’ll have enough scholarships to cover most of it.” Not only do high school graduates face financial issues when pursuing their dream, but unknown or unique challenges arise in their specific career path. When asked about these unforeseeable obstacles, Isaac said, “I currently don’t see any setbacks in my plan, but I am ready to tackle challenges the way I always have: with patience and reaching out for help when I need it.” For students that are interested in taking a path similar to Isaac’s, he gave some knowledgeable advice. He said, “Make sure to take as many AP classes as you can, especially AP Biology. Get involved in your community and take as many opportunities to do as much as you can.”
Tyler Buckenham, another Armuchee senior, plans to attend Georgia Southern University, where he will major in mechanical engineering, with his goal of becoming an aerospace engineer. When asked why he wants to be an engineer, Tyler reflected on his interest. He said, “I like to build things and the implications of physics and math on them.” Oftentimes, students change their minds when thinking about their future, and a popular saying in college is that you either drop out or change your major. Over the years, he said, “I always wanted to be an engineer, but the type changes with different applications, like electrical to aerospace.” In the future, Tyler sees himself working for Lockheed Martin or NASA as an engineer or physicist with a master’s degree. Tyler also said, “My advice for aspiring engineers is to take the hardest classes possible instead of settling for easy A’s.”
Emma Reed, junior, plans to attend a four-year university and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Education (BSEd) in English Education, with the ultimate goal of becoming a high school English teacher for students in grades 10-12. She said, “I have loved teaching my fellow peers for the past 11 years on different courses, whether that was answering questions in class or a tutoring session.” Regarding her mindset on setbacks that could arise from being a teacher, she had some wise advice. She said, “I treat setbacks not as failures but as an opportunity to learn and grow. I always remind myself that if I have a setback, a meteor won’t come crashing down. Setbacks are an opportunity to evaluate your own actions and beliefs, making us better people.” Emma also faced skepticism from others regarding her career choice. She said, “People will tell you that you are making a mistake by becoming a teacher. This is not true. If you feel a calling to teach, or anything for that matter, do it. I am, however, terrified of student debt. If I go to college, I will be the first in my family to go to college.” Despite this, Emma said, “Whenever I feel like giving up on school, I remind myself that I need those scholarships to go to college.” Regarding the changes and different ideas of her post-high school plans, Emma, like many others, found herself conflicted. She said, “If you had asked me a year ago, I would have been torn between journalism and education. I love writing, but I believe that teaching has longevity compared to journalism. In five years, I see myself as a fresh college graduate seeking teaching positions. Later on, I hope to be a safe space for all students, no matter what.”
Abbie Carson, another senior here at Armuchee, plans to go to the University of Georgia and major in Pharmaceutical Sciences. She said, “I have always wanted to go to UGA because both of my parents went there.” When asked about her career goals she chose for herself, she considered her characteristics as a thinker. She said, “I would like to be a pharmacist. I wanted to be a lawyer when I was in middle school. However, I realized that arguing is not my strong suit. I decided on pharmacy because I am a very analytical thinker, and I really think I will enjoy it.” While some students feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty of the future, Abbie is focusing on the positive. When asked if she feels anxious about what’s ahead, she said, “A little bit, but I don’t want to focus on that right now. I just want to focus on my excitement for the future. I plan on using an organizing tool like a planner so that I can make sure that I have time for everything that needs to be done.” Looking further down the road, Abbie hopes to be in pharmacy school. She said, “In 5-10 years I will, hopefully, be in pharmacy school.” For younger students who are still navigating high school with similar ambitions to her, Abbie believes that working hard is key. She said, “My advice is to work super hard in school and also be involved in extracurriculars. If you can figure out how to balance a lot of things at once, then college will be a lot easier and less stressful.”
