The Beginning of the End: Life After High School

As the 2026-2027 school year begins, Redwood seniors weigh different paths toward their futures, from dream colleges and trade schools to career training and entering the workforce.

By: Isabella Guijarro

For many seniors, graduation is more than the end of high school. It is the beginning of an important question: What comes next? 

As the school year starts, seniors are making decisions about their futures. Some are preparing to attend the college or university they have always dreamed of, while others are considering community college, trade school, career training, or entering the workforce. 

No matter which direction they choose, students are discovering that there is no single path to success. 

Janna Asunto, ‘27, says, “ My dream college is Stanford University specifically because I feel like the area and the environment are perfect for me. I really love the area around Palo Alto because that’s where Stanford is located, and they also have a really good mock trial team, which is something that is important to me here in high school.”

Naturally, students’ plans after high school vary. Many students plan to attend a two- or four-year college; others are interested in career training, technical programs, apprenticeships, or going directly into the workforce. Many students are also still undecided as the school year begins.

Zane Lambert, ‘27, says, “ I say get involved; there are a bunch of clubs on campus that can help you not only boost your high school experience but also help you later when you’re applying. Extracurriculars help you grow as a person; there are plenty of things that have helped me want to achieve my dream of UC Irvine, like mock trial, FBLA, and Aspiring Authors club.”

For some seniors, college has been part of their plan for years. Applying to schools, waiting for acceptance letters, and deciding where to attend can make the future feel both exciting and stressful. 

Sehrish Hirani, ‘27, says, “ I’m definitely really sad about having to leave high school behind; being a senior and having to think about it is very sad. I talk about it with my friends, and in basically a year from now, we’re all going to be going our own ways. It’s sad to think about, but the thing with growing up is that you do have to move on from things you do really love, and obviously I love Redwood, but college is going to be an amazing journey that teaches us so much more.”

Students may consider factors such as cost, distance from home, available majors, athletics, and whether a school feels like the right fit for their specific plans in mind.

Emily Carvalho, ‘27, says, “ My dream college would be Mercyhurst University, which is D1 for wrestling, and I wrestle. I also would realistically get a full ride there, and on top of that, they have a really good nursing program.”

However, a four-year university is not the only option available after graduation. Community colleges can offer students the opportunity to earn degrees or certificates, explore different career interests, or eventually transfer to a university. 

Technical and trade schools can provide specialized, hands-on training for students interested in specific career fields. Career preparation can also include certificates, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training, depending on the occupation a student wants to pursue. 

Logan Ferh, ‘27, says, ” My dream job is to be a decent mechanic, mixed with agriculture. I plan on going to trade school to improve my learning skills, and I plan on doing that for the next four years.”

For seniors choosing a technical path, the decision can be about finding a career that matches their interests and strengths. Some students may prefer learning through hands-on experience and want to begin developing career-specific skills soon after high school. 

Ethan Villarreal, ‘27, says, “My dream job after high school is to own my own business but I plan on joining the Navy right after high school. Then I plan on doing college in the Navy depending on what job I get.”

Other seniors are preparing to enter the workforce after graduation. For these students, getting a job may provide an opportunity to gain experience, earn money, and begin building toward long-term career goals. 

Daniel Nava, ‘27, says, “I want to own my own Auto shop, but I will probably start working somewhere right after high school. I will probably go to trade school for one year then join the work force.”

Choosing a path after high school can also come with uncertainty. Not every senior knows exactly what they want to do, and that does not mean they are behind. Exploring interests, learning about different careers, and understanding the education or training required for different jobs can help students make decisions over time. 

As the school year begins, seniors may feel pressure to have every part of their future planned out. Whether a student is heading to their dream college, enrolling in a trade or technical program, starting a career, or still figuring out their next step, each path can lead to new opportunities. 

For the Class of 2027, the future will not look the same for everyone. Some seniors will leave for campuses they have dreamed about for years. Others will enter training programs, begin working, or explore opportunities they had never considered before. 

Ferh, says, “Work hard, have a good work ethic, and good luck to the freshman”

Tags: clubs & lifestyles, life after high school, rangers, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, rhs, seniors, student life, visalia ca