Freedom at last! Will I regret going away, or do I actually want to stay at home? Will I be able to make it on my own? Will I make new friends? The thoughts of venturing into the real world haunt the minds of high school seniors as they make their final decisions and choices about college.
As the school year comes to an end, some seniors have dreamed and planned a career path, while others do not have the slightest idea where the next semester will lead them. The class of 2005 looks to future.
“I don’t really want to go to college,” Kevin Reed said. “My parents aren’t making me go so I just plan to take a few classes but not enroll as a full time student.”
With so many choices across the United States, some plan to travel outside California.
“When I found out about Evangel University, which is in Springfield, Missouri, I knew that it was the perfect place for me,” Dori Richardson said. “The Midwest would not be my first choice for a place to live, but I am excited to start off in a new place.”
As Richardson studies to be a missionary in France, another senior has been accepted to a top-quality school in Houston, Texas. Working hard in high school to be rated as the number one student and valedictorian of the senior class, Anne Hierholzer plans to attend Rice University, which is ranked as one of the top-twenty schools in the nation.
“I’m thrilled to be going to Rice,” Hierholzer said. “I’ve always wanted to go to a highly competitive school in a big city, so Rice is a perfect fit for me. Go Owls!”
Young-Ju Cho left her family in hopes of gaining an American education, traveling from South Korea to attend junior high and high school in California. With one month to go until graduation, Cho wonders what Michigan will hold for her.
“I am going to Michigan State University to study business,” Cho said. “I want to visit another state while I am in America. California has been a wonderful experience, and I will miss the friends I have made.”
From among the variety of colleges to choose from, some seniors decided on a more military lifestyle.
“I have always been fascinated with jets since I was in elementary school,” Micah Walker said. “I plan to join the Air Force R.O.T.C. program and go into the Special Forces.”
Most seniors in high school choose the Reserved Officers Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) over actually enrolling into the military.
“I got a full ride to the Santa Clara R.O.T.C. program,” Alec Kneefel said. “After my first year I am transferring to Texas A &M military school. My last three years are all paid for.”
While some wait for the opportunity of a lifetime to leave their hometown, others decide to stay awhile longer.
“I am going to stay at home and go to Fresno State University,” Elise Aydelotte said. “I want to do storyboard animations and maybe work for Disney one day.”
While seniors count down to graduation day some are still undecided and overwhelmed by what life has to offer.
“I plan to go to Fresno Pacific University,” Tim Westra said. “I don’t really know what I want to do, but while I figure it out I am going to play soccer for FPU.”
Whatever their plans, the class of 2005 is looking ahead to a bright future.
