As we enter into scheduling season, I thought it appropriate to try to capture the words I share with rising 9th grade students and parents. At least a part of what I say. The message bears repeating, I think, at this point each year. You do you.
Ultimately, you have to be selfish, if you will, as you look to choose the appropriate classes that will lead your child down their post-secondary path, whatever that might be. If it is college, great! If is a two-year, technical degree, also great! If the path is to start work after graduation, great again! And, of course, should you choose to serve our country, I say awesome!! But, each of those future paths require a certain approach while they’re in high school. And, those approaches require them to focus on what that is for them and ignore the noise out there. I know the pull of FOMO (fear of missing out) is strong, but you gotta ignore it if you are going to do right by your kid. You do you.
No matter the post-secondary decision and the high school path that leads to that, it will be okay. The desire to succeed has to be within our kids. No matter our desire, or want for them, it's what they want. That is a hard reality to face, but you will be so much more at ease once you can accept that. And, they can find success from anywhere. Any of those post-secondary paths mentioned above can lead to success. You do you.
And so, to some extent, you and your kid have to have some idea of what is next. Not super specific, but at least a little inkling in order to choose wisely. When it is college, know what kind of school, but not THE school. It cannot be about THE school. That's a set-up. All schools can be grouped. Getting into a type of school is, more or less, the same. And the 4-year experience that goes with it is, more or less, the same. Success afterward is still up to your kid, though. As an aside, future success can be found from any school. I stress, ANY school. You do you.
If your child is picking one of the other paths, be excited about that. Support them 100%. It will be okay Mom and Dad. For example, the two-year, technical path can be a very wise one. They'll be left with little, or no, debt upon completing their degree/training. They're likely to make a lot of money coming out. And the happiness and satisfaction that comes from that can be a huge win. The same can be true for going straight to work and making the incredible choice of serving our country. I hear from former Gladiators and their parents that made these choices and they all have nothing but great things to say. You do you.
Just some thoughts rattling around in my head on a Sunday. I hope this helps. I am happy to chat further and expand on this if you need. Just let me know. You do you.
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