Life is always unplanned for us, and we can never be too sure on how our future rolls out. You could want to study marine biology and end up on a cover of vogue and become a model instead. You could plan on going to Harvard and instead study abroad in Dubai. It may result in better things, or worse. But the purpose of life is to always try new things.
“Probably back in Greece,” Maria Paloka reported, referring to her home country. She stated how she came to Waterford High School during freshman year, “Or studying in New York. Call me basic but studying there just sounds right. I think it just fits me as a person.”
Many students in Waterford High School report they want to study out of state, mostly down south, while others want to remain near their home town.
“Honestly, I want to stick around and go to UConn. I doubt I’ll go somewhere crazy far, but if I do, it won’t be anywhere past New Jersey.” Zoe Dell, a junior, expressed her desire to stay near home, which is the most common answer among students since UConn is a solid option for those who want to study in state. “Hopefully see myself pursuing what I’m interested in, which is communications or film studies, like a news reporter,” Olivia Marelli, a senior, claimed. Many students tend to often think about college when they’re faced with this question, but others have different ideas, “I wanna travel the world while running an online business. I think college just takes more time forbidding us from doing things we actually want to do.” Puja Pantha, a junior, stated.
However, Freshmen and Sophomore students all planned their future simple: for them to go to the same college with their close friends, right? It’s a dream all high schoolers have since they have yet to think about the future, and often predict that they’ll remain on this decision for the next two years. Though as we grow into our adult personalities, characters, and goals, by Junior and Senior year, many students leave the dedication to follow the same plan they made in freshman year. “My best friend and I planned to go to UConn together at the end of Freshman year,” Maria Paloka stated, “But, it was only until recently, she dropped the news that she was moving to Texas and probably studying down there, while I’m still here, or again, maybe in New York or so.” In fact, a study by the Elon Center found that 79 percent of college graduates found their closest friend in college, and in another study, According to Cornerstone University and other multiple sources, it states that about less than 10 percent of high school bonds end up being long term after graduation.
Moreover, as students have contrasting answers, many teachers have yet predictable answers to the question. Most teachers at Waterford High School have achieved their major accomplishments since many of the faculty are in their forties and above. “I see myself retired and enjoying life,” Mrs. Beaulieu, the library assistant, expressed. While other teachers see themselves still persuing the same career such as Mr. Ash, “I see myself still doing this job, slumping over my desk, and hopefully not dead in 10 years. And definitely still traveling the world.” and similar to his response, Mr. Arnold stated, “still doing the same good old job.”
