An impressionable youth faces a defining challenge during their senior year. Choosing the career path to follow rests solely in their hands. For some, the decision is easy or already made, while indecisive others grow nervous.

Although campus classes do not currently include a formal career planning program, the faculty and curriculum provide education and opportunity.

“Some high schools have intentional programs,” Jon Endicott, vice principal, said. “We work in multiple ways to ensure that students are informed and encouraged to achieve academically to the best of their abilities.”

The Nov. issue of “The Master Teacher”, a teacher’s brochure, illustrated the significant drop in the amount of knowledge seniors retain.

“In the past it was believed that students graduating from high school usually possessed three fourths of the knowledge needed to become successful adults,” Robert L. Defruyn, author of Master Teacher, said. “Today, however, it is estimated that high school graduates are likely to know less than ten percent of what they’ll need for success.”

These stats are surprising, as school administrators say schools now cover a much larger range of education than they used to cover.

“We are constantly stressing the importance of graduating from a four year university,” Endicott said. “The number of students who graduate from college after attending Fresno Christian is very high.”

A student’s motivation to extend their knowledge tends to rise when teachers do not establish complete and final authority, but stimulate curiosity and the mind.

“Students are able to be open and honest with our campus teachers,” Endicott said. “If they’re uncertain about the future, then there are positive reinforcements to turn to for encouragement.”

Endicott also explained that students should take into consideration the classes they excel in and the subjects that spark their interest.

“It’s a logical assumption,” Endicott said. “A student will do better in school if they revolve their education around their natural strengths and genuine interests.”

As high school seniors attempt to achieve final displays of their academic potential and compile applications worthy of their desired college, the year appears to be rapidly disappearing in a hectic frenzy.

“The deadline for a guaranteed spot at Fresno State was November 30,” Micah Walker, ’05, said. “It took me a really long time to complete the application, but I have a feeling things will work out.”

Although many students submitted their applications by the Nov. deadline, a few missed the opportunity.

“I didn’t apply early enough,” Nick Ramon, ’05, said. “Now I have to wait until February when last minute applications are accepted.”

A wide variety of students stand at a fork in the road.

“Tons of seniors across the country are completely in charge of this next stage of life,” Walker said. “We all have to pray that we make the right choices.”