Article submitted by a Mentor Match Parent from Santa Rosa, California

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Deciding what to do after high school can stir up a mix of emotions, from an uneasy gut feeling to excitement. You’ve spent your life jumping from primary to middle school to high school, trying your best to ace tests and exams and submit projects on time—till finally, your future is in your own hands! What do you do?

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It's a journey that can feel daunting at times, but hey, it's important to remember that it's okay not to have it all figured out just yet. You're not alone in this uncertainty; many of your peers are probably facing the same questions and challenges—just ask them!

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I’m a mom—my kids call me a boomer, but hey, I always try my best to understand them! For example, At 17, my son found himself at a crossroads between pursuing design or economics after high school. Eventually, at 18, he made the decision to switch to management, a field that resonated more with him at the time. On the side, he also began exploring opportunities in content creation and social media, gradually trying to find his path in these spaces.

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The week before he left for college, we had a heart-to-heart. I had the honor of listening to him talk about his dreams and fears, and the pleasure of imparting my ‘boomer’ wisdom to him.

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I’m hoping that what I said will help you too, if you’re feeling confused, lost, or just need a little bit of reassurance!

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  • Stay true to yourself. Remember, jobs and circumstances may change, but you're always going to be you. So, make decisions that align with who you are and what you believe in.

  • Think big. Your choice now doesn't have to define your entire life. Keep your options open and embrace the idea that careers and opportunities are vast and multifaceted. Don’t be scared to change your trajectory in life. You’ll always have people to support you through it.

  • Choose something that excites your mind and soul, igniting your passion and curiosity. If you can’t prioritize those things in your life right now, find ways to fit them into your day, if not your work. Like, you don’t have to be a professional photographer to enjoy photography, take the photos that inspire you even if your work is in a completely different field.

  • Education is a lifelong journey. This is just the beginning. Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep growing. (Think about it, even a boomer mom like me has to learn new slang to keep up with her kids!)

  • Look up to role models. Think about the people in your life whom you admire. What qualities do they possess that you'd like to develop in yourself? Use them as inspiration as you carve out your own path.

  • Dare to dream. Set your sights high and reach for the stars! Your aspirations are valid, and with dedication and hard work, you can achieve them. So, dream big and never lose sight of what you want to accomplish.

Remember, the choices you make now are just the beginning of an incredible journey.

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The career path you choose doesn't have to be set in stone for your entire life. It's okay to pivot and explore new opportunities whenever you feel the need. Your journey is about discovering what truly fulfills you, even if that means changing careers along the way. The things you learn in high school and university just give you the tools to head down the right path.

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[college advice, future planning, changing careers, personal growth, support network, job advice, high school graduation, universities USA]

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