Graduating high school means a lot; you have reached a milestone you have been working all your educational years for. After years of classes, different teachers, homework, stepping into the real world now can feel a bit of mixed emotions. Life after high school means now being on your own, making important decisions for your future and yourself. Some high school graduates choose to attend college or universities while others choose to just go in the work field and others join the army. No matter the path your heart desires, the goal for life is to build a future that meets your goals.

For some graduates, entering the workforce right after high school is the best choice to them. Getting a job can help young adults gain independence, learn responsibility, be social, and start to make money. Others join the military or take a gap year. Taking a gap year is a good way to figure out what you want to do next but many don’t return to education. Life after school doesn’t follow just one path, there’s many doors open to everybody, you just have to pick the right one.

We interviewed West High alumni Danielle Carlson for their perspective on the transitaion from high school to the “real world.” Our first question was, were you nervous? And if so, how has that feeling fluctuated over time, “I think everyone is going to be a little nervous to be an adult and leave high school and all that stuff but I just think there’s no point stressing too much if it’s going to happen anyway… as for any nervous as of now, I’d say it’s gotten a lot better as I’ve learned it’s not too much different.”