Students are constantly asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Some have answers, some don’t. Whether students know the answer or not, there are ways they can become future ready.

Stress is a very normal feeling for students to experience. However, students shouldn’t be worried about their future. The future has endless possibilities of careers for students, so nerves shouldn’t be the main focus. 

Ms. Michelle Printz, Oakdale High’s Career Coach, shares that nerves are completely normal: “[Students should] take [their] time in high school to start to discover [their] passions.” Printz continued to explain that students should focus on their academics and use resources such as guidance counselors, and career coaches, to help ease the process. 

High school is a place where students are able to discover themselves and their passions. There are many opportunities available to students at Oakdale, including dual enrollment, Career and Technology Center (CTC) classes, Advanced Placement (AP) classes, and more. It’s a good idea to try and take advantage of these opportunities to broaden horizons within the school system.

Juniors and Seniors at OHS are looking into colleges and trying to decide on majors. Some students instantly know what they’ll pick, while others don’t. Again, both are perfectly normal. Senior Kai Meertens advises, “Don’t focus so much on what you know, explore new classes in high school while you have the chance so that you can have a better idea of what you want to do after high school.”

He continues, “Be open to new things and eventually you’ll find something to be certain about and want to pursue.”

There are many ways to improve skills to become more successful and ready. Printz expresses that high schoolers should work on becoming well-rounded students, combining  academic and social experiences to become more versatile. 

Printz adds, “The development of soft skills is crucial for students.” Students that have basic communication and learning skills, can better benefit their success. If they are able to continuously take in new information it can lead to favorable career advancements. 

While stress is unavoidable, managing it and focusing on the good can set you up for better success. Rather than fearing the future, focus on the present and develop academic and social skills. Realize that reaching out and getting assistance can only help and using resources that the school provides will service you in becoming future ready.