5 answers
Asked
440 views
what should I do after Highschool?
I'm a sophomore and in NJROTC but I'm still not sure of what I should do or aim for after I graduate.
Login to comment
5 answers
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Iaraine,
This may sound a bit bias from me as a Navy Recruiter, but I think you should join the Navy. If decide you want to go to college and get a degree, the Navy gives you educational programs to cover most, if not all of your tuition and expenses. Personally I obtained my associates, bachelors, and masters degrees while in the Navy, at no cost to me.
If you don’t want to go to school, like I originally did when I joined, then just focus on your job you’ll have in the Navy, focus on making money, making friends, traveling, and just having fun. Whatever job you have will equate to a trade or skill needed if you in the Navy or decided to out and go into the civilian world.
Since you’re a sophomore, take your time, study for the ASVAB and take it during your junior year. Once you have a score let your parents know you want to talk to a recruiter to weigh your options, and of course bring your parents along as well in case they have questions that you never considered.
I hope this helps, but feel free to message me.
Eric E. Hopkins, MHA, RMA
HM2(FMF), USN
Navy Recruiter
This may sound a bit bias from me as a Navy Recruiter, but I think you should join the Navy. If decide you want to go to college and get a degree, the Navy gives you educational programs to cover most, if not all of your tuition and expenses. Personally I obtained my associates, bachelors, and masters degrees while in the Navy, at no cost to me.
If you don’t want to go to school, like I originally did when I joined, then just focus on your job you’ll have in the Navy, focus on making money, making friends, traveling, and just having fun. Whatever job you have will equate to a trade or skill needed if you in the Navy or decided to out and go into the civilian world.
Since you’re a sophomore, take your time, study for the ASVAB and take it during your junior year. Once you have a score let your parents know you want to talk to a recruiter to weigh your options, and of course bring your parents along as well in case they have questions that you never considered.
I hope this helps, but feel free to message me.
Eric E. Hopkins, MHA, RMA
HM2(FMF), USN
Navy Recruiter
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Laraine,
This may sound a bit bias from me as a Navy Recruiter, but I think you should join the Navy. If decide you want to go to college and get a degree, the Navy gives you educational programs to cover most, if not all of your tuition and expenses. Personally I obtained my associates, bachelors, and masters degrees while in the Navy, at no cost to me.
If you don’t want to go to school, like I originally did when I joined, then just focus on your job you’ll have in the Navy, focus on making money, making friends, traveling, and just having fun. Whatever job you have will equate to a trade or skill needed if you in the Navy or decided to out and go into the civilian world.
Since you’re a sophomore, take your time, study for the ASVAB and take it during your junior year. Once you have a score let your parents know you want to talk to a recruiter to weigh your options, and of course bring your parents along as well in case they have questions that you never considered.
I hope this helps, but feel free to message me.
Eric E. Hopkins, MHA, RMA
HM2(FMF), USN
Navy Recruiter
This may sound a bit bias from me as a Navy Recruiter, but I think you should join the Navy. If decide you want to go to college and get a degree, the Navy gives you educational programs to cover most, if not all of your tuition and expenses. Personally I obtained my associates, bachelors, and masters degrees while in the Navy, at no cost to me.
If you don’t want to go to school, like I originally did when I joined, then just focus on your job you’ll have in the Navy, focus on making money, making friends, traveling, and just having fun. Whatever job you have will equate to a trade or skill needed if you in the Navy or decided to out and go into the civilian world.
Since you’re a sophomore, take your time, study for the ASVAB and take it during your junior year. Once you have a score let your parents know you want to talk to a recruiter to weigh your options, and of course bring your parents along as well in case they have questions that you never considered.
I hope this helps, but feel free to message me.
Eric E. Hopkins, MHA, RMA
HM2(FMF), USN
Navy Recruiter
Updated
Robert’s Answer
I would suggest trying things in internships and jobs so you can see what you like. I read the responses above and agree that the Navy may be the best choice as it provides a lot of opportunities and structure. You can find what you are good at and have someone pay to educate you and start your career.
Updated
Arun’s Answer
Hey Laraine! You should definitely consider going to college after finishing high school. College is an amazing place to build the groundwork for your future career. During your first year, you'll get the chance to explore different fields and discover what truly interests you. From the second year onwards, you can concentrate on your chosen major. There are fantastic career programs available at both state universities and community colleges. Wishing you the best of luck and success in your future endeavors! I have no doubt that you'll excel in whatever path you choose.
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
Hello Laraine! When I read your question, I was reminded of my past self and am uncertain of whether or not my answer will help you as you begin your journey to finding your passion. You're a sophomore and I'm sure that high school is flying by! Many new experiences and memories await you. I think it's never too soon to think about what you really enjoy in life. What makes you smile and feel excited? Follow that as best as you can. For me, I've always loved learning and because of this, I decided I wanted to be a teacher. I did all of my years of college and even obtained two Master's degrees from the University of Houston. I even taught beyond student teaching, but I found myself unhappy. And isn't that the goal of each of our paths? I now work at Armanino LLP and it's the best job I've ever had. Working with numbers was something that never even crossed my mind when I was majoring in Adult and Higher Education with my concentration in English Literature. My degrees are useful in several aspects of my work (editing and proofreading documents is my favorite of the many tasks) and forever they are mine. I think taking a few classes at a community college would be an excellent adventure for you. I started at Blinn College and never dreamed that I'd continue to earn my Master's. These institutions are far less pricey than the traditional university and you can create connections that last your whole life. It might be some trial and error at first to see which classes or subjects really drive you, but I promise your effort is worth it. Once you know what it is you enjoy most, focus on why you love it. How can you turn that joy into a part of your future? I'm going to have to go with, as lame as this might sound, college. We are all continually learning and finding out what works and what doesn't. Education is so important because as we lean, we grow! You are going to do amazing things Laraine. Whatever path you decide to go down, remember that your happiness is your super power. It will be the incentive for many of the friendships, career changes, and even the decision to answer questions that others have on their journey. :) I hope this isn't a TLDR situation at this point, but I thought you asked such a lovely question. The fact that you're curious says wonderful things about you. And wonderful things are on the way for you my friend! Embrace the adventure and enjoy as much of it as you possibly can!
Pay attention to how the classes you're in right now make you feel. Any favorites?
Formulate a plan and no matter how small the steps of this plan might feel, keep in mind that each of them matter. Research colleges that have excellent classes in your desired area of study.
Try something new! Talk to an academic advisor and see if they can help you out with the planning. Sign up for classes...some of them aren't going to be your favorite, but persist!
Go for as long as you feel is right, which might just be a semester or a handful of classes and that's ok. Always allow the wind in your sails to cause the change of your direction.
Stay open to all of the beautiful possibilities Laraine!
Kristen recommends the following next steps: