The lives of seniors during their last semester of high school are full of chaos and turmoil. The burden of choosing the direction of their young adult lives sits heavily on their shoulders. For many the anticipation of summer’s activities eases this tension.

“I might be going to Italy with my family,” Kathleen VonOehson, ’04, said. “I’m going to be busy at Fresno State in the fall, so a trip like that would be nice.”

Some students are planning trips with their families this summer, hoping to spend some quality time with their loved ones before going off to college.

“After graduation I’m going to L.A. with my parents to celebrate,” Michael Savage, ’04, said. “We’re going to Disneyland and the coast. I’m really excited about it.”

However, quite a few students will be working this summer in preparation for moving out and going to college.

“I’m going to be getting a job in an office doing paper work,” Emily Goertzen, ’04, said. “I’ll be making more than minimum wage!”

Trade schools are also an option for seniors not headed to a traditional college.

“I’m going to flight school after I graduate,” Clyde Shaffer, ’04, said. “I’ve been attending for a while now, but I am looking forward to having more time to devote to the thing that I love.”

Others are skipping the college stage of life and are starting their careers directly after high school.

“I’m going to be working and saving money to move to L.A. by October,” Greg Tharpe, ’04, said. “I hope to get acting jobs right away.” Tharpe is currently cast in a part in a mini-series called “”The Greens of the San Joaquin.””

Seniors have many options for the summer after high school. With their lives ahead of them, plans are being made to start off on the right foot.