In a new segment of “Some Advice on After High School,” more and more teachers offer their advice for after graduation. Everyone’s path is different than the classmate next to them or the teacher in front of them. Coming from those who have done it all before, here is some advice on the steps we take after graduation from our own teachers. 

1. What is one thing you can say to students who are unsure about their future?

“You don’t have to know it all right now. There is a big world out there – the most important thing is to figure out who you are, not what you want to do.  Pick any path and just start.  If it isn’t meant to be, you will find that out as you figure out what is.” – Choir Teacher, Erin Bodhaine

“You do not have to have all of the answers right now.  We put so much pressure on ourselves to make the best decision for our future at a young age that it can often feel paralyzing. It’s okay to pursue an option and then change your mind if you get into the school or career and decide it isn’t the right fit.” – English Teacher, Courtney Scott

“Wait for it and be patient. Everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.” – Psychology Teacher, Margaret Meador

“It’s going to be okay. Many of the people you know who seem so certain about their future will change their mind, some more than once, about their career path or college major. Even more will be blown off course due to bad decisions or just life happening. Expose yourself not only to things you’re good at, but things you just enjoy doing. Focus on being a good human and open yourself up to listening to where the universe is guiding you, and you’ll eventually find your plan.” – English Teacher, Kimberly McFarland 

2. Where did you go after high school? Did your path change?

“I went straight to music school to teach choir – I am still on my path, but I am the only person I know from my high school friends who is doing what they started out to do after high school.” – Bodhaine

“I followed a friend to Texas State University because I had no idea where I wanted to go. I wanted to be a physical therapist because my parents and I decided it would be a good career choice, and Texas State had a good program. I transferred to Blinn College for another semester and then to Texas A&M University where I received my degree. Throughout the college changes, I also realized my desire to be a teacher. I ended up teaching 9th grade and have not looked back – after all of the changes, I’m exactly where I needed to be.” – Scott

“First, I went to Blinn in College Station majoring in Meteorology. I dropped out of college for several years and then went back to Lonestar College to get my AA in Business. Two years later, I realized [my son] had a language disorder and then had to learn how to teach a ‘different’ child. Once I saw what he was going through at daycare and schools because of the language impairment, I knew I needed to be a teacher. I began that career path in my late 20’s. I finished my BA History [at SHSU] while completing my teaching program at the same time. I then started teaching here at CPHS and was thrown into psychology. My path changed so many times. It just goes to show you that it is completely ok to not know what you want to do. If you are patient you will find something you are passionate about.” – Meador

“I started at a community college in Fort Worth for two semesters. It was easy to transfer my AP test scores there while I figured out how to pay for college and what exactly I wanted to do. After those first two semesters, I transferred to a four-year university and was sure I was going to be a nurse, but when I hated all of the science classes I had to take, I began to question that path. I eventually ended up changing my major to English and minoring in both Women’s Studies and Secondary Education — quite a sharp turn.” – McFarland    

3. What is some advice you can offer on adulthood and the steps we take after graduating?

“Make mistakes – but make the mistakes you can learn from, and then use your mistakes to shape your world and inform who you are. There is no need for shame if you learn and grow.” – Bodhaine

“Always keep an open mind and look for ways in which you can grow.  It’s okay to change your mind, and it’s okay to pursue your dreams even if you’re the only one who believes in them at the moment.” – Scott

“Pay as much out of pocket for college as humanly possible- junior college is much more affordable to work off your basics. Get the first two years of basics done and then take a break if you don’t know what you want to do. Persevere- if you want something bad enough, go out and get it, no matter what obstacles are in your way. Keep pushing forward no matter what. Achieving a goal and success will be the best feeling you will ever have in your entire life. Finally, learn to be patient and learn to be kind.” – Meador

“You cannot underestimate the value of surrounding yourself with people who are good for you. Good influences, good listeners, good life goals. Give yourself grace when you make mistakes so that you more readily learn from them. The sooner you learn to comfortably set boundaries and say ‘no’, the better.  And for the love of all the things, avoid buying your textbooks at campus bookstores.” – McFarland