Charting Their Own Course: The Inspiring Alternate Journeys of Redwood’s Next Graduates

As graduation approaches for the Class of 2026, the traditional path to a four-year college isn’t the only route on seniors’ minds. 

By Chloe Falcon-Barros 

At Redwood High School, several students are choosing to enter the workforce, enlist in the military, or commit to religious service, proving that success after high school comes in many forms.

For some seniors, the immediate future isn’t about career building or academic mapping—it’s about deep spiritual commitment. 

Mahealani Burke ’26 is preparing to step away from her familiar surroundings to venture on a mission trip.

She says, “I am going on a mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I will be teaching people about the gospel.” 

Burke adds that family influence heavily impacted her choice, especially during a time of post-high school uncertainty. 

She says, “I kind of just wasn’t sure really what to do, so I thought that going into a mission would be best, because I know it helped a lot of people in their future to decide what to do.” 

Although the assignment is temporary and lasts around a year and a half, Burke remains open to future possibilities. “Depending on how this goes… I would definitely want to do it again,” she said, noting that a year from now, she expects to still be completely immersed in her mission work.

Other students are prioritizing immediate financial independence and self-discovery by jumping straight into the job market. 

Hope Madden ’26 is focused on building a solid foundation through employment. 

She says, “I don’t really have like a concrete plan. I just want to get a part-time. Job and make enough money to provide for myself and go to college.” 

For Madden, the motivation is straightforward: navigating the financial realities of adulthood. “I guess I need money. I think everybody needs money and that would just help me move along in my life,” she stated, adding that the income has already helped her significantly. 

Rather than tying herself down to a single career path right away, Madden envisions taking on multiple temporary jobs to maximize her savings. “A year from today, I don’t really have I just want to have my mind figured out on what I want to do. And have savings.”

For seniors looking for rigid structure, intense challenge, and long-term security, the armed forces offer a compelling alternative. Julian Medina ’26 has his sights set on serving his country by enlisting in the Marine Corps. 

Though Medina openly acknowledges that he didn’t have a rigid, traditional plan after high school, the military offers a path he can commit to fully. “I can see myself doing it for a long time,” 

Medina said, looking forward to the unique opportunities and travel experiences that military service provides. As for his ultimate destination dream? “I like to be stationed in Japan, Okinawa.”

Whether traveling across the globe for a religious calling, managing multiple part-time jobs to secure financial stability, or enduring the rigors of Marine Corps training, Redwood’s seniors are proving that the road to adulthood is rarely a one-way street. 

As the Class of 2026 prepares to toss their caps, their diverse ambitions remind us that the future is built on many different foundations.

Tags: rangers, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, visalia ca