Life After High School Senior Advisory February 23, 2016

15 weeks of school remaining  Over the next several weeks we will examine some topics you may encounter after high school.  These topics range from financial planning, choosing a roommate, exploring housing options, and other adult experiences.  Consider the topics carefully and remember that after you earn your high school diploma, society views you as an adult, so ready or not…..it’s time to grow up!

What are your plans after graduation?  Right now, you should be considering what you plan to do after graduation.  If you’ve been accepted to a four-year college or university, you need to make a decision on housing SOON. Many seniors wait too long to send in their housing papers and lose the opportunity to stay in school dorms because they simply waited too long. Be sure to discuss this with your family and check your school’s housing deadlines so that you secure a place to live.  If you plan to attend a junior college, begin the housing discussion with your parents NOW. Some junior colleges have dorms but they fill quickly, so the sooner you make a decision, the sooner you’ll have housing secured.

What are your plans after graduation?  If you plan to attend a trade school, again, look into housing and begin that conversation with your family NOW. Because of our geographic location, many students will have to move away from Fort Bragg to attend the school of their choice.  If you plan to enter the work force, you should discuss this with your family as well. Will you live at home? If so, what will your family expect from you – rent, help with groceries, help with utilities? Ask these questions so that you are prepared.  If you plan to live away from Fort Bragg, be sure to explore your housing options soon. Believe it or not, affordable housing can be tricky to find. The sooner you start looking, the sooner you’ll secure housing.

Get Ready For Adulthood  Before graduation in June, you should consider preparing yourself for adulthood.  Do you have a driver’s license? If not, you really should get a California ID card through the Department of Motor Vehicles. You’ll need some kind of legal identification. You can follow the link below to explore the DMV website on how to get a California ID card.  Do you have a bank account of some kind? A savings account is always a safe choice, but discuss this with your family and determine what is best for you.

Adulthood Realized  When you turn 18, you will be eligible to vote. Consider registering to vote after you turn 18. Remember, the presidential election is in November. Exercise your right to vote!!  At 18 years old, you’ll be able to sign for many of your own amenities but you will probably still need help from your family. Be sure to communicate with your family your plans and goals so they can help you prepare for any challenges you may face.  Make good choices!! At 18, you begin an ADULT record. This includes your credit, your work history, and your background. Be sure to make decisions that you are okay with following you for a LONG time.

Still In High School  For the next 15 weeks of school, use your time to take care of school business first so that you don’t jeopardize your ability to graduate with your class.  Stay on top of your senior project and be aware of upcoming deadlines. (Remember, once you’ve missed 5 deadlines, you can’t attend the senior trip.)  Ask questions and seek help if you are confused or need clarification.  Talk to your school counselor if you need help putting your post-high school plans into place.  Stay current with your assignments and ask your advisory teacher to help you monitor your grades and attendance. (The grading period ends this Friday!!)

Graduation is June 10, 2016  There’s a lot to do before graduation day.  Keep a calendar and stay focused on your goals.  If you are feeling like you have senioritis….. GET OVER YOURSELF!  You’ve worked too hard and too long to make FOOLISH choices now.  Talk with your friends and agree to help each other get to the finish line.  Life after high school can be amazing! Make sure you are in a position to reap the benefits of all your hard work in high school.  If you haven’t worked that hard, get ready…life is about to wake YOU up!!