| Life after High School |
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What is the right choice? 2009 Cover Kid, Angelica R. Photo by Amy Martin Photography
You’ve watched your child pass many milestones—learning to walk, first day of kindergarten, first soccer game, first date. Now you’re nearing one of the biggest—high school graduation. Then what? Some high school seniors already have plans to attend college or technical schools while some enlist in the military and yet others will head to work straight out of high school. What’s next for your teen, and how can you be sure it’s the best choice? Here are several options your teen may or may not be considering and tips on how to help them make the best choice.
To recognize February as Financial Aid Awareness Month (FAAM), The Louisiana Education Loan Authority (LELA) will award $6,000 in scholarships in addition to spreading the word that it is time for college-bound seniors to fill out and submit their FAFSA. Visit www.lela.org
5 tips to help make the best choice There is not a one size fits all, and as much as parents and educators push for attendance at a four-year college, it may not be the next best step for your child. Understanding the options and allowing your teenager to make the decision for their life, will be the best move mom and dad can make.
1. Initiate conversation Your plans and your teen’s plans for after high school may differ. Look at your child’s strengths, long term goals, personality and resources as you look at options. If you don’t like your child’s plans, remember, they could change several times before high school graduation. Talk to your teen and listen—not just in his senior year, but throughout his school years. You may start noticing special interests and abilities long before you have to make a decision for after high school.
2. Seek direction from others Arrange for you and your teen to talk with a school counselor, college admission personnel, recruitment officer and others in the career field she wants to pursue to come up with the best plan.
3. Consider abilities and aptitude In what areas does your child excel? What are his strengths? What kind of personality does he have? A shy teen will not make a good shift manager nor will a very outgoing teen want a job that requires long hours alone. Know your child. Have him list his strengths and weaknesses and how they might affect his choices for the future.
4. Look at interests Your child should not follow in your footsteps unless it’s his own calling. Every child has his own dreams. “Since each of our children is different, we advise them to pursue whatever career passions they have. It doesn’t make sense for a young adult to chase after their parents’ dreams,” Bryan Davis said of his seven children, four of whom are successful adults. “My advice? Watch for what thrills your child. What sparks his passion? Look for a way to use that in career choices. Don’t chase after money. Chase after a vision.”
5. Explore financial options We have highlighted two local companies on page 48 that offer much needed assistance and guidance on the college journey. Attending a four-year college.There are many good arguments for going to college. One of the strongest is that a college graduate will make more money than those without a degree, and they will have more career choices. Also, college isn’t just about academics and majors. It’s a time of social and intellectual development, too. “Our oldest son grew up considerably his first year away at college,” said Teresa Cleary, mother of three. “When he came home that first summer, we noticed how much more responsible he was, and that he did a much better job of communicating with us. Being away from home also made him appreciate the people and things he had at home that much more.”
Technical school. Some teens want further education in a certain field, but don’t want to have to take all the classes that come with a four-year degree. In this case, a technical school specializing in a certain career field might be a better option. There are many options available and may offer internships as well as job placement assistance. The tuition is usually lower than a standard college and many offer Associate Degree programs.
Military bound. Joining the military is one option for those who have decided not to pursue more education and want to serve their country. Karen Emmons’ youngest son, Jesse, wore Army fatigues and played G.I. Joe as a child. In fourth grade, Jesse wrote about Colin Powell, who soon became his hero. When the Emmons visited Wright Patterson Air Force Museum in Dayton, Jesse insisted on wearing his fatigues and having his picture taken with any military member they saw. “I was not totally surprised when he was 15 and announced that he wanted to join the Army and carry on the lineage of his grandfathers and fight for freedom,” Karen said. “Jesse’s main goal at this time is not college, but instead, serving his country. We believe this is an admirable choice.” The military is also a good option for those who aren’t sure what they want to do. It gives them a chance to learn a vocation while also learning to accept authority and get along with others. Many military members attend college while serving or use their benefits to attend college after their time is done.
Join the work force. College or the military aren’t for everyone, and there is place in the workforce for those who don’t have college degrees. Some jobs have their own training programs. Encourage your child to look beyond the local fast food restaurant to something with more promise for the future. College isn’t the only route to a good job. Apprentice programs are available in many fields including construction so that a teen can learn a trade and gain job experience at the same time. A job may even lead the young adult to further his education at a later point. Karen Emmons’ older son, Josh, took a career aptitude test in school. Pharmacy caught his attention and he applied at a local pharmacy for a part time job to see if this was something he would like to do. He is now pursuing a pharmacy degree.
Year Off. A growing trend is for teens to take a year off before beginning college. Some volunteer, serve as a short-term missionary, travel, explore different careers or get a fun job before getting serious about their career. The Chizmar’s daughter, Allyson, went to Argentina for a year after high school to attend The Living Word Bible College before attending college in the United States. “It was a wonderful experience for Allyson. She met students from all over the world—Paraguay, Aruba, Tahiti, Netherlands, Mexico,” mother Linda Chizmar said. If your child has chosen college as their next step, be sure to visit our website www.brparents.com, for more tips and information. Recommended Reads Sending your Child to College: The Prepared Parents Operational Manual By Marie Pinak Carr and her daughters: Katherine Carr, Ann Carr and Elizabeth Carr Topics discussed include safety, privacy laws, paying tuition bills, managing a sick child no longer at home, dorm insurance, hidden costs and budgeting. Offers charts, forms, tips and a shopping list to help parents plan ahead and shop efficiently.
Free College Resource Book By Doug Hewitt and Robin Hewitt The authors of this book take students and parents through the process of establishing a successful game plan to fund a college education. Students will gain insight into preparing winning essays, applications and interview responses.
The Louisiana Education Loan Authority (LELA) Functions as a one-stop source for answers and offers free services and counseling to assist students on their pathway to college. Specifically, LELA provides information about financial aid options; access to scholarship opportunities and differences; deadlines for completing forms; college cost comparisons; placement exams; counseling and many other topics. Students and parents can schedule a telephone or in-person free counseling session with a LELA representative. “Our main goal is to see them succeed,” said Joni Leggio, assistant vice president of marketing for LELA. “We may not have the answer right off the top of our heads, but we will find it for them.” LELA representatives also work closely with students’ school guidance counselors to coordinate and help lighten the counselor’s load. For more information, visit www.asklela.com
College Planning of Louisiana Located in Baton Rouge, the company offers parents a comprehensive approach to searching for the right college. The company offers a variety of service plans and packages to help make the application and college experience the best one for you and your child. They offer traditional services such as career assessment, college searches, financial aid assistance and tour visits and non-traditional extras such as resume design, sports packages for athletes, essay writing development and coordinate internships, interviews and summer programs. They provide a personal student coach to help navigate the college admission process. Families can receive a free consultation and depending upon the package or plan selected, costs vary. “We work to help parents and families save money. We look at the child’s scholarship potential and see if an increase in their ACT score will make them more suited for financial aid,” said Susan Thompson PhD, president. For more information, call (225) 752-1814 or visit www.collegeplanningla.org
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