A question that everyone has certainly been asked not once, but numerous times is, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”. When first asked this question, kids usually answer with wanting to be an astronaut, famous singer, or ninja. While being so young, the question tends to be brushed off the shoulder, as there are still many years ahead of you to figure out what you want to do.
A couple of years pass by, and the question gets asked again, only this time, our answers start to change to more practical jobs like doctors, engineers, and technicians, as we start to realize that there isn’t much time left for us to decide. Our West High seniors are coming to the end of their high school years and are moving on to the next steps of their lives. Seniors shared their plans for after high school, as well as giving us some insight on what they hope to accomplish in their future.
Senior Ryan Anderson, as well as SEA and JECEPE student, shared that, “When I was younger, I wanted to be a programmer. Since then, my answer changed to wanting to pursue a career in simulations. Although it is still considered computer science, I found that it was something I was better at, and it also conveniently lined up with the school, UC Berkeley, that I got into. There, I plan to major in mechanical engineering to do undergrad research, in hopes of eventually obtaining a PhD. Despite not knowing what my future holds, one thing I know for sure is that my feelings regarding my life after high school tend to constantly rotate from being extremely nervous about such a huge change, to being totally apathetic and excited about it, since I’ll have much more freedom and many more opportunities.”
Senior Adrian Rodriguez revealed that, “When I was younger, I wanted to be an entertainer, whether it be in YouTube, acting, or music. As I grew older, I obviously realized that those were not realistic dreams to have, but I still think back on them at times. As of right now, all I want is a good paying job, since I don’t necessarily have a specific dream that I’m planning on following. Despite this, I’m still aiming to attend a local college, most likely Chabot, so I can move back to Union City. Overall, I see myself well off in the future. I feel like I am a smart guy and can make the best out of any situation. Still, I am nervous for what my future holds for me after high school, and because I don’t have any specific plans set like other people do, I am just going to see what happens when it happens.”
While others’ plans for after high school may not be the same as yours, it is completely okay for your plans and your mind to change. It can be very difficult to find a career that you have strengths in, be something you enjoy doing, and earns you good money throughout the rest of your life. Regardless of this, remember to be easy on yourself, take chances, and enjoy life; everything will work out in the end!
