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Girlscout 2004
Observation Paper
Final Journalism
GIRL SCOUT STORY 2005
Even with the headaches that sometimes come along with High School, there is also a comforting feeling. You see people you know every day, even if you don't call them all friends, but you might have known them your whole school life. You have a routine and memories for your future are being formed every day. What memories will you cherish from your school days? Hours spent with your best friend, the sports you played, a bond with a teacher, maybe the special lunch your mother or father makes you, a private joke, or other special memory that holds a special place in your heart. How will these memories effect your future decisions? Future? Yes that word you mainly hear coming from your parent's or teacher's mouths. Even if you haven't made it to High School yet it's never too early to think of your future. The classes you choose, the sports you play and the grades you make could have an impact on your future. Realize what you like to do, hobbies, sports, which classes you like best and find a career path that fits those interests. Some of you may not have given it any thought at all, while others already know what they want to do after graduation. Maybe it's college (whether it's in the United States or you study abroad, in another country), the military, a trade or tech school, a full time job, marriage, start your own business, or continue a family trade. It's not something to stress about, but it will happen; the future will appear whether you think of it or not! What will you do with it? In High School I had friends whose futures seemed planned from the day they were born, while other friends decided what colleges to apply for on their on during our freshman year. I, on the other hand, had not thought about college being an option. My family didn't have the money for college, so why think about it. That's what I thought any way. I had no idea there were so many scholarships and grants available to people wanting to continue their education. College is an option for everyone, whether your parents have saved since your birth or you are on your own. And it's never too late, but if you don't have to wait, then why do it? Talk to your parents and ask if they are able to help you with the costs of college. If not, don't give up! If you want to attend college then pick a few schools and find out what scholarships are available. Student loans are another option; that means you borrow money and pay it back after you graduate and find a job. If you are given grants or scholarships then a portion or sometimes all of your tuition fees are paid for and you never have to repay that amount. But you have to apply! Apply to as many grants as you can and look into a community college (www.kcmetro.edu), they are typically cheaper and all your classes will transfer to four year Universities. You can attend a community college for two years, get your associates degree in the field you choose, then transfer that to a four year college and be half way to your Bachelor's degree at a fraction of the cost. Your high school advisor might be a good resource for other colleges and scholarship information. If you don't know what you want to major in, most colleges offer testing to match you with a career choice, be sure and ask about this service. A lot of companies offer tuition reimbursement for employees and if your parent or legal guardian works at a college then most likely you are eligible for a tuition discount. Another option is to work at a college your self and go through night classes. Working full time and going to school part time takes a bit longer, but most colleges offer free or major discounts on tuition for their employees. So it's well worth the wait! A trade school (fitness training, culinary certification, software programming, etc.) is another option. To find trade and tech schools near you that offer a variety of degrees and education certification programs visit http://www.4education.us/pick_a_state.htm. Starting your own business is another option. Running your own business can be hard, but it's not impossible, visit http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/startup/guide.html for answers to some general questions. The military offers demanding careers and tuition assistance in some cases. You can find more information at http://www.usmilitary.com/. Whatever option you choose, research it carefully and make sure you know all the answers to every question you have. Ask your parents or other trusted adult to look over all information with. If you are willing to work for something then you can accomplish anything. Just remember that sometimes on the way to your big dreams you get distracted by others or your route takes a detour, that's ok. Just don't give up! Now is the time to think about your future, because thinking about it now could save you time and headaches later!
