Let’s talk about college preparation.
If I were a high school student considering my next steps (with the knowledge of a 27-year-old with a graduate degree)…
I would ask myself the following questions.
What do I want to do every day?
Would I prefer to do the same thing every day or have some variety in my schedule?
How physically-intensive do I want my job to be? Do I want to be able to move my body, or be mostly still?
Am I someone who wants to do something specialized, or would I rather gain skills to do many different things?
Do I find I prefer to be in a large group, a smaller team, or solo?
What profitable skills do I already have?
Can I mow lawns, help with landscaping, or wash cars?
What about taking care of or teaching kids?
Am I an animal lover? Can I walk dogs or house-sit for families when they travel?
Do I enjoy working with my hands? Can I sell art, baked goods, or another product I enjoy creating?
I think these questions (and many others like them) can help students see past what they might feel is expected of them or the “obvious path” and remember that we are all individuals with unique gifts.
In an ever-changing job landscape, maybe don’t chase what seems like the next big thing. Instead, consider what you’ve always enjoyed and where you’ve tended to excel. Whether a skill becomes a small business someday or just serves as means to afford pizza during college, do what you’re good at and do what you love.
I say this as the tutor who started teaching other students over a decade ago and took a wild and fun academic and professional journey on my way back to where I started (only better, this time).
I’m always glad to chat through ideas and offer college preparation guidance to prospective students. Please inquire here: https://statswithemma.com/contact/