Life After High School

By: Mackinley Dennewith and Alyssa Cantu

As the year continues, many seniors are preparing for life after high school. Whether going to a university, community college, or joining the armed forces, our Rangers are each making difficult and exciting decisions about their futures.

College applications are an important factor of senior year. Kenya Ochoa, ’19, told us “Applying made me feel really nervous, but after applying, I felt super relieved because all of my stress from this semester was gone.” Justin Carrasco, ’19 said the hardest part of applying was his insight questions. “Its hard to tell a college everything you want them to know, in such a condensed way.”

For many students, they can agree that the college applications process was time consuming, but also exciting. Kayla Cabanas, ’19, told the Gigantea “It was hard to find time to fill out my applications”. Cabanas, ’19, continued “It was really exciting, because I’ve been looking forward to this all of high school and this is a new chapter in my life.

Augapita Garza, ’19, told the Gigantea, “Applying made me feel good because my I know I have a plan for next year.” Garza, ’19, also said “After COS, I want to transfer out to a four year school and get a degree in computer engineering.” 

In Visalia we are lucky enough to have a community college close to home. Jonathan Torrez-Jasso, ‘19, said “The hardest part was finding out the pricing and financial aid and getting grants.”  Torrez-Jasso, ‘19 went on to say “Applying made me wake up and realize that we are growing up and felt like a couple of months ago sophomore year started and now I’m applying to college so it was a big wake up call.” College application is a a right of passage of growing up. For many students and parents this time of year bittersweet because even though their future are bright they ending a chapter in their life.  

Along with University and community colleges people also join the armed forces. Christian Garza, 19’, is joining the airforce, he said “Ever since I remember I wanted to be an airforce pilot and then as I got older I realized it take a lot to be an airforce pilot so I decided to do medical.” Going into the armed forces is a great way for students to find another path to go through after high school. When asked what was the hardest part of joining he answered “ I hardest part was taking ASVAB test that allows you choose your job in the military.”

Sydney Swarthout, 19, is joining the Navy after high school. She stated “I decided to join the navy for the benefits. I want to pursue something in the medical field and the navy will help me do that.” This is a platform for students to have the future they hope for. With many benefits that the armed forces included can provide a lifestyle to maintain. Swarthout also says “The hardest part has been accepting the fact that I’m going to be away from the people that I have seen everyday for years and only be able to see them a couple times each year.” With many benefits also comes hardships. Not being able to come home to see your friends and family takes great determination and a strong mind.

College applications are a huge factor for the class of 2019. It’s a time to reflect on their lives and focus on their futures. However, every student is going to find his or her own path.

Tags: college of the sequoias, COS, high school, navy, university