Lyla Cody, Video/Podcast Editor
Graphic by Victoria Tremblay
Whether a student is going to college, joining the military, or heading straight into a job, planning out life after high school can be stressful. It is a process that requires a lot of decision-making, time management and hard work. However, at NCHS, students are lucky enough to have services that relieve some of those pressures.
One resource that all seniors should be using is the College and Career Center. Coordinator Susan Carroll has put in a lot of her time to assist students with the college process. “I coordinate all the college visits here at NCHS,” she said. “I also help students with researching gap years and volunteer opportunities.”
College is a long process and there are many different schools to pick from. Attending a college representative visit can help students form a list of schools that fit into their interests. These meetings are the students’ time to show their interests and to ask questions about where they may potentially spend the next four years. “College visits give seniors a chance to dig deeper into their research to make sure the college suits them.” Ms. Carroll said.
While the college resources are amazing, people tend to overlook the “career” part of this center. There are many different paths for seniors to take post-high school, and the College and Career Center helps students become well prepared. “I help students research what is possible after their four years at NCHS, whether it’s employment, military, trade school, gap year, or college,” she said.
While the center mainly focuses on seniors, they offer help to anyone who has an interview coming up or planning on getting a job, and ensures they are set up to succeed. “Some of the resources offered to students in the College and Career Center are mock interviews for college admissions or jobs, summer employment, information about joining the military and information on trade schools,” she said.
Overall, the students futures beyond high school lay on character development and not solely on academics. “Students should work on their soft skills such as communication, time management, teamwork, creativity and problem solving that will serve them in life,” Ms. Carroll said.
The College and Career Center offers many helpful tools and resources for students to take advantage of, especially Seniors. Make sure to schedule a meeting with Ms.Carroll if you are feeling overwhelmed with choices and want some guidance.
