High school graduates - Research Paper Example

?Running Head: High School Graduates High School Graduates [Institute’s High School Graduates Introduction Living in a time where consistent teaching regulations and youngsters are generally subjected to learn conventional and uninteresting things, there is a great deal of uncertainty in the schools with reference to what to do after high school. In general, college is the default pathway and the majority of students ‘mechanically’ put themselves on that path; however, then there are still a small number of those who appear to be in no doubt regarding what in fact they would like to study for in college. In addition, even if they are certain, experts declare that, on the whole, a student will modify his major three times or more during the track of his/her college profession. On the other hand, a lot more disturbing statistic is that one in every four freshman in school gives up prior to finishing sophomore year. The truth is that college is not for every person nor it is really considered necessary for every person and thus, pushing teens to go to college, in order to have them drop out is like harming them (Lee, 2001). Before a generation or two, high-school graduates seldom went on to college, yet one way or another during the years, college more or less has turned out to be a rite of way for youngsters to pass into maturity and an excellent job. However, youngsters do not have to attend college to become grown-ups and they surely do not need to go to land at first-class profession. A few alternatives for high school graduates other than just college are discussed in the following paragraphs. Gap Year There are certain things that a student can do ahead of making up his mind regarding what his long-term path is going to be; something to fill up the gap. In addition, talking about of filling in the gap, the first thing that comes to the mind is gap year. The gap year is basically a practice of channeling in Australia, as well as in the United Kingdom, although not a lot of individuals in the States have noticed it. Mainly, a gap year is a year in the middle of completing high school and starting college that is usually spent either in travelling or working as contrasting to carrying on the education without any delay. For several students, it is a year of self-awareness as well as exploration, and it provides them a little time to dwell on what they would like to do with their lives prior to going back into an educational atmosphere. It is a disgrace that this is nearly rejected within United States of America, where, for the most part, youngsters are forced to being their secondary education immediately the moment as they graduate high school. A lot of them could in fact utilize the free time (White, 2009). As in other countries, it lets students to grow up, be mature, and pull through from burn out. Alternatives take account of recognized programs for individual development. Internships In particular, there are a number of internships readily accessible for students who have started college, and who have not yet started a further schooling after high school. The expertise learned from an internship can be immensely helpful as it can create knowledge and familiarity, as a result probably letting students to land on a real employment. In addition, students can get the benefit from the experience, as it will be giving them awareness about the field that the internship work is in. In this regard, this will bring about interest in some specific professional path and could give students an enhanced plan with reference to what they would like to do (Noddings, 2005). Job Having a job can provide the students important experience that can give them insight into what it is they would like to be doing in the future. In addition, students will be making money that can be reserved for schooling expenditures that student opt to do subsequently. Nothing assists more with that changeover to maturity than holding down a permanent employment. Student’s objective should be to distance from the companies that usually appoint youngsters for temporary work to companies that can offer a permanent job. Frequently, bigger companies have additional opportunities, so one should start his search there. In addition, students should identify companies whose product or service interests them and whose principles they value. “This is probably the most popular outcome for those who do not attend college immediately following high school. Some students find that they have no desire to go to college and enter the world of working. Others may wish to attend college and are forced to save money by working before heading back to school” (Coyne & Hebert, 1972). A number of students would like to start working without any delay. Even though this is perhaps the least supported alternative for new high school graduates, it can be the single alternative for individuals who think college is just not in reach. Working can give students priceless experience, and they may have a better option of moving up in the company if they are enthusiastic, as well as motivated. Real life experience can as well be a fine option to the college life experience, which can cover the real world. Several companies appoint ‘salaried intern’ sort of positions that are generally focusing on administrative assistant jobs. Although administrative work might not be the exciting job, working in an organization of any type and knowing about the special careers offered in organizations may facilitate students to know what sort of career they would like to follow. While working in an organization, a student will intermingle with various individuals who have been in the business field for quite some time, and individuals who are satisfied or unsatisfied with their careers are generally pleased to offer recommendation or suggest ideas. Managers may as well notice the strong points that a student has and advise a certain course (Henry, 1988). The networking that can be done within a year can make a huge difference in the number, as well as worth of employment choices accessible after college. Trade School A trade school will educate students about a particular skill or skill that usually will give assurance of a better employment directly after completing the program as compared to the traditional college. It is a lot more practical and whatever students become skilled at will usually have something to do with the line of business they are trying to get. This is very helpful for individuals that cannot tolerate the fluff and would simply like to gain knowledge of what is required. A number of students who struggled in high school and college discover that registering in a trade school was the most excellent thing they have ever done for themselves. In the past, apprenticeships were the single approach for young people to get a foot in the door to their professions. If one has an interest in a specific skill, for instance, technology or building, he should try to find jobs in the trade because it will not just give him helpful experience but direct him toward development by assisting him with the official recognitions or certificates one need to accomplish something. Beauty schools, LPN teaching, welding school, and so on are the paths that a lot of students take after high school. These students opt to advance their knowledge by taking a higher path of training in a particular field for their potential employment. These schools are regularly referred to as vocational schools. They present particular education, generally in shorter periods of time as compared to public schools. Combination of Job and Internship It may be feasible for a number of people to be successful only from climbing the ladder of a particular company or chain of companies in single area. It is much less possible in comparison to what it would have been possible in the past, still it is doable. In particular, a number of grocery store supervisors, making a respectable profit, basically started as cashiers and gradually climbed their way up the corporation ladder. In this way, one can go for an internship while fulfilling job tasks to acquire higher amount of financial resources for the education and other expenditures (Atkinson, 1978). Volunteer “While you are trying to find your place in the world, why not spend those first few years after high school making a difference? While you may be familiar with the Peace Corps, they actually prefer college graduates, so you might instead consider looking locally to make a difference or consider such national programs as AmeriCorps, which offers 17-24 year-olds the chance to make a difference through a national network of hundreds of programs throughout the U.S., as well as the Student Conservation Association, which has conservation programs (jobs and internships) throughout the U.S. for adults 18 or older” (Traub, 1974). A number of students make up their mind to lend a hand by joining a group such as the “Peace Corps or maybe do missions work with a religious organization”. These volunteering opportunities show a discrepancy in span of time. Travel It one gets the permission to get out of the city and see the sights of some other part of the world, then traveling can be the best option. Traveling to one or more foreign countries is a best method to experience other societies, find out more about oneself, and furnish oneself with civilizing knowledge to apply in the universal financial system. If someone has little funds, he can discover inventive, as well as economical methods to travel around the world. If he does not have the cash, one can take a look at student exchange programs, employment on cruise ships, or becoming an au pair or nanny for a family unit in another nation. A number of students would love to take a year off and jet off to any place of their choice, this choice is generally only within the means to the more well off residents. A student can explore a world entirely different from his own; this can be done for a year. One can have get-togethers with other foreign persons traveling, and can gain knowledge of what scarcity is. Students can gain knowledge of how to earn a dollar, and can frequently be in circumstances where one needs to find out the way to endure in spite of the odds being against (Unger, 2006). A number of high school graduates would like to take a year off prior to finally deciding on what they would like to do in the subsequent several years. A trip can be a lifetime experience that will instruct students about important societal institutions, as well as cultures that they almost have not encountered before. One must keep in mind, nonetheless, that students should not let traveling pull them away from their errands at home. They may even discover that some country is better as compared to their home country, and they may desire to go to school or work there. While visiting different places, students may gain knowledge of many different things regarding their own nation, a new way of life, and most significantly about themselves. During traveling, they may discover that they have a particular grasp over a new language and can carry on studying that language as they start their college and even study international relations or business. As a result of technology, the world is becoming smaller and the field of international relations has become increasingly significant, thus, the students who travel might discover that their familiarity with a different nation make them eligible applicants for the employment (Noddings, 2005). Attend Community College A great method to ease into college as well as investigate more regarding what one wants to do in life is taking one or more classes at the local community or technical college. Classes are economical and admission is also very convenient - and a number of students work at least temporarily to pay their way. A student can take a few classes, go after a certification way, or move ahead in the direction of his associate's degree. Several community colleges have contracts with four year colleges, so that if someone makes a decision that college is right for him, he can then transfer those credits as well. Community colleges have magnificent prospects for students who would like to learn something specific or who would require more time at home or want to develop their educational record. Community colleges are helpful because more or less all general education credits are transferable, and on top of all, community college costs are within one’s means. “This way, students can find an opportunity to “get their feet wet and really think about what they want to do with their college years. Having a good plan for the time you spend in college will allow you to get the most out of your money and time you will spend in a University” (Noddings, 2005). Join the Military Despite the fact that it is not a popular or safe option, joining the military is often a great method to find out more about oneself. Armed forces offer an opportunity to serve the nation, to make an occupation in the service, and earn money on the way to a potential college education. The student will as well receive valuable work experience that he can apply to civilian employments once he is discharged. The armed force is an alternative for all high school graduates. In particular, 18 year old males are needed to register with the selective service. They must register in order to be entitled for federal financial support for college (Goldman, 1999). Individuals who would like to serve their nation and join the armed forces can do so as soon as they graduate from high school. On the other hand, staffing starts in senior year and it is regular for recruits to begin their training by working out and becoming physically vigorous before going to the real recruit camp. Every branch of the armed forces has its exceptional set of traits, and it is perhaps best for the student to review in detail each branch cautiously before deciding on which one he would like to join. The armed forces as well provides a lot of advantages, for instance, funds for going to college, working at the same time as the student is in the armed forces, and traveling all over the world. Nonetheless, the job will need the student to be loyal to his nation as well as to the selected military branch (Norhanian, 2009). Certificate programs Programs train students for professions such as “Dental Assistant, Fashion Design, Commercial Music, Graphic Design, Fire Technology, Engineering Technology, Auto Tech, nursing, x-ray tech, and so on. Students often complete a certificate program and then can work at higher paying jobs to finance the rest of their education” (Goldman, 1999). A number of Information Technology occupations put more significance on industry certifications as compared to college degrees. Combining those certifications with real-world experience and the student will have a clear advantage on countless people who are still stuck into computer science programs. Transfer Agreements Every community college has transfer agreements with four year colleges as well as universities. Students meet with counselors, sign the agreement, and find out which classes are necessary by which college as well as pursue the given program of study for the college of their choice. At that moment, if the students take the requisite classes and obtain the compulsory grades, they are assured a spot at that college for their junior year (Norhanian, 2009). Conclusion Learning is important; college is not. Several jobs - in medicine, technology, operations, hauling, in addition to the construction business - do not need a four-year degree. In addition, as one move ahead in these professions, there is as well nothing preventing him from pursing a college degree at a later age; as it better suits him; a number of individuals are just not prepared for college until a bit later in life. It is significant to take a look at every available option before signing the initial schooling check. “It is never good to recognize that you are at a music school majoring in concert piano when you really want to do a microbiology major” (Henry, 1988). Changing the major is one thing if one can continue in the same university; however, transferring from one educational institution to other is not always the convenient procedure and it can even prevent the student from fulfilling his dreams. It is always better to think about the available alternatives because a lot of times students are not prepared for the workload of college just after high school and this can have a depressing result, which affects their academic performance in the end. A number of students are prepared to move ahead to college and can do an excellent job right from the beginning, however, there some students who want time to become acquainted with them and understand what they would like to do ahead of joining some university. References Atkinson, L. (1978). Alternatives to College. Franklin Watts. Coyne, J. and Hebert, T. (1972). This way out;: a guide to alternatives to traditional college education in the United States, Europe and the Third World. Dutton. Goldman, C. A. (1999). Staffing Army ROTC at Colleges and Universities: Alternatives for Reducing the Use of Active-Duty Soldier. Rand Publishing. Henry, V. R. (1988). Guide to Alternative Education and Training. Scholastic Library Publishing. Lee, L. (2001). Success Without College: Why Your Child May Not Have to Go to College Right Now--and May Not Have to Go At All. Broadway. Noddings, N. (2005). The Challenge to Care in Schools: An Alternative Approach to Education. Teachers College Press. Norhanian, A. (2009). College Is For Suckers. iUniverse.com. Traub, M. (1974). Alternatives to College. Macmillan. Unger, H. G. (2006). But What If I Don't Want to Go to College? A Guide to Success Through Alternative Education. Checkmark Books. White, K. M. (2009). The Complete Guide to the Gap Year: The Best Things to Do Between High School and College. Jossey-Bass. Read More