This week Kenwood’s guidance counselors visited senior classes this week to help students be aware of their opportunities of what’s next after graduation. Students post-secondary options include the military, 2 year or 4 year college, technical or on the job training or apprenticeship, or full-time employment. But knowing how to get started on pursuing their path of choice can be overwhelming.
While the other students are anticipating the last day of the school year, seniors may anticipate the last day of this school year with excitement or anxiety as they won’t be returning to the same thing next year. But the end of high school isn’t the end of everything – it is the start of a new chapter for their lives.
To keep from feeling so overwhelmed, it’s recommended to explore careers with Kenwood’s Career Navigator, Ms. Alleman’s career centered field trips or listen in to a career guest speaker this school year. If you think you’re headed to the work force, also speak to Ms. Alleman to engage in resume writing and interview skills workshops to prepare you for that career interview. There is much opportunity through her Beyond the Nest program to discover what’s next for you after graduation.
If applying to colleges, guidance recommends, “Applying to a lot of schools can be expensive and stressful. Apply only to schools you can really see yourself attending and loving.” Guidance also encourages students to ask themselves the following questions when evaluating schools to attend:
- Do they have my major?
- Is the pricetag realistic? (Consider scholarship options)
- What is their 4 year graduation rate?
- Are there options for study abroad?
- Are their students employed after graduation?
It’s important to do your research of schools so you’re not wasting your time or money. If unsure, Baltimore’s CCBC is a great place to start and saves students lots of money.
Following the step of making the hard decision for their future, sentiment often follows when it’s time to exit the halls of Kenwood. Whether it be the realization of departing from close friends, saying goodbye to teachers and staff, or leaving an environment some saw as a second home. The staff here at Kenwood help shape students’ journeys as their mentors and cheerleaders. Looking into their future, students find themselves and their aspirations rooted in the confidence these teachers built for them. There is always a sense of gratitude for those who believed in students before they could believe in themselves, whether they showed it or not. “I think I would miss some teachers who really brought out the inner happiness and smiles I needed most” shared a KHS senior.
Though what comes next after high school may seem far away from now at the end of September, graduation will be here before the Class of 2026 knows it. Between Kenwood’s guidance office and Ms. Alleman as our Career Navigator, there are resources and opportunities available to help prepare for what comes next so be sure to take advantage to be well prepared for June 2026!
