I knew writing my annual column about the graduating class at NRHEG would be tough. Having a child in the class adds a different tint to my observations. I’ve gotten to know some of these kids better than in other grades due to friendships and activities involving Anton.
I always try to have a theme that applies to a graduating class. Usually, I have it figured out by February, but this year it didn’t occur until the beginning of May. It dawned on me as I gazed at the wall outside the guidance counselor’s office, which has the names of colleges and universities and which seniors are going to those places to further their education. There are also tabs for any military branches and one that says Work.
I noticed a large list of kids under that last one. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
For so many years, the narrative of going to college was pushed on lots of high school kids. That is shifting. For one thing, if you’re not sure what you want to do after high school, why would you spend tens of thousands of dollars trying to find out?
Tech schools have gained in popularity because they don’t cost as much and are often closer to home, so you can save on rent as well. In taking that path, students can gain valuable knowledge and hands-on learning that can help them chart a path.
The sheer number under the Work sign, though, gave me pause. I know there are many stories behind those choices. I’ve talked to a couple that have said they’re taking a gap year to work and figure out what they want to do. Others are going directly to work for a place of business they’re already involved with.
It’s hard for 18-year-olds to make life-changing choices. What if you’re wrong? What if you’re no good at what you want to do? Get in line with many people who have traveled that path before you!
Thus, the theme for the NRHEG seniors of 2023: To Be Determined.
As I look at grad invites, some of them say where the student is going and what they will be studying. They have an end goal in sight. But the TBD could still apply. Anton is going to MSU-Mankato and wants to major in art and work in graphic design. What does that mean? He’s not sure yet. Michelle is a graphic designer, but that tag can take on many forms. So I’d say Anton still has a TBD tag.
Michelle was watching the time capsule video that the kindergarten teachers made all those years ago. During the kindergarten graduation, the teachers announced the kids and what they wanted to be when they grew up. I don’t think anyone has the same goal now as they did back then! There were sure going to be a lot of zoo keepers, firefighters, artists, and cops!
The class of 2023 used to have rather large numbers, topping out at just over 80 kids at one point. I think they’re down to 68. A big group like that necessitated an extra teacher through most of their elementary years. Along with that, they gained a bit of a reputation as having plenty of discipline problems.
It’s hard not to form a judgment of a class when you hear rumors of impending doom. It’s more difficult when your child is part of the class and you hear and see things along the way in your role as a parent. But as a teacher, I like to tell my students in the fall that any negative interactions we might have had in the past can stay there. Every September is a fresh start. The outcome of their education is TBD.
And this group has grown tremendously. They had a lot of work to overcome the negative aura that had formed. But the kids who were sick of being known as “that” class took on some leadership and tried to steer people to make better decisions. They’re not perfect, but that reputation that followed them has a different narrative now. I’ve had conversations with more than one senior this year where they shared what went behind that particular kid changing their attitude for the better. That’s awesome!
One of the things I try to get across in my classroom is to work hard. You may not like what you’re doing in certain classes at any given time, but that will prove true in your job as well. Developing that strong work ethic at a young age makes it easier to deal with those unsavory parts of a job. As I looked at the list of kids who have chosen Work, I saw some that I know have turned a corner from where they were in middle school. That makes me happy, and I hope they will carry that willingness to work into the world at large.
You’re almost there, NRHEG Class of 2023! Finish strong and take what you have learned, whether it was from books or projects or just how to work, into a world that awaits you. And if your future is still TBD, keep grinding until you find your fit. Good luck!
Word of the Week: This week’s word is peradventure, which means perhaps, as in, “As the seniors left their graduation, some thought peradventure they would discover their calling by joining the workforce.” Impress your friends and confuse your enemies!