As graduation approaches, the high school class of 2026 will soon step into a new chapter of their lives. For PV seniors, the decisions of post-secondary pathways are weighing in. While many students will find themselves at a four-year university, some students are opting to take a different path.
Many pathways besides four-year universities exist, although they are not as well-attended or used. Some of these include going into the military, trade school, a mission trip, a gap year, cosmetology school, a community college and a plethora of others.
One option that students have is attending a community college. These are two-year degree schools in which students can earn an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree.
Students at PV have the amazing opportunity to take classes during high school through Scott Community College. After two years at community college, many students will transfer to a four-year college/university or begin working.
Other post-secondary options work directly towards a specific job; these can be through schools like a trade school or a cosmetology school. Kylie Figanbaum, a senior at Pleasant Valley High School, plans to attend cosmetology school at Aveda Institute following graduation.
“I decided this was the path for me because I saw people in college, specifically my older sister, and how much work goes into getting a degree,” shared Figanbaum. “I realized there was no degree college could give me that I wanted to put that much energy towards.”
Figanbaum pointed out that she knows this pathway will lead her to reach her full potential, be happy and thrive in the future. For some students like Figanbaum, they simply don’t need to attend a four-year college/university to earn their degree when pathways like these exist.
“The process of cosmetology school is roughly a year long, with training being hours 9 to 5. It covers a variety of beauty skills and training,” she said. “Aveda, the cosmetology school I’m attending, says it teaches, ‘hair cutting, color, texture services, nail care, makeup application, business development, retail knowledge and the concept of gaining and retaining clients.’”
Figanbaum hopes that in the following years she will be a fully established cosmetologist and eventually open her own salon.
Some students find reasons other than simply following a passion to choose a pathway. Colleges, universities, and post-secondary paths can be expensive; one way some students choose to combat this is by enlisting in the military.
Colton Blair, a senior at Pleasant Valley High School, plans to go into physical therapy in the Air Force Medical field. “I took the military pathway because post-secondary education can get really expensive and schooling is fully paid for by the government due to the G.I bill,” he said.
Many different pathways for students exist, and all students can find the path they should take following graduation. Parents and counselors are great people to talk to when looking for the next steps to take when thinking about preparing for the future.
“I learned about this initially from my parents and met with a recruiter for further details. My counselor also helped me with the process,” said Blair.
As seniors gear up to take the next life-changing step towards the future, it is important to look for opportunities and pathways that bring happiness. Every high school senior’s path looks a little different, but each student has the potential to do amazing things.
