The other night, I was listening to one of my favorite talking heads. S/he said “Graduation is the bridge between high school and adulthood.” I thought to myself, how true.

I often think it is hard to be a high school student one day, and the next day you’re an adult. But that’s today’s society. I think it takes a while to get used to that concept. While there are certain benefits to being an adult, including the ability to vote, hold a job, sign some legal papers…there is still the age of 21 holding back other privileges.

Being the over achiever that I am, I thought I would be clever in googling what seniors should be doing. I found some very interesting comments.

1. Senior year is an important time to make memories and spend time with the people (and pets!) you love. Regardless of whether or not you decide to go to college, or move away from your hometown, senior year is a big transition. Rely on your loved ones for support as you navigate your senior year. Family members will likely have valuable senior year advice for you as well. Focus on spending quality time with your loved ones, strengthening your relationships, and sharing memories.
2. Take pictures of you with your friends…every one of them.
3. Step out of your comfort zone! Graduate high school without any regrets. Take a moment to think about whether there is anything you’ve wanted to try, but haven’t had the time, or the nerve, for. High school is a great time to try new things, so challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone!
4. Write a thank you note to your favorite teacher.
5. Take a photo with your school mascot.
6. Make a college bucket list.
7. Take a photo with your college acceptance letter and post it on your social media (leave out your personal information so that it can’t be read).
8. Do a dance in your graduation robe.

While I was tempted to do the Top 10…I only wrote those that made me smile. I hope they make you smile, too. They are from “10 Pieces of Advice for High School Seniors” and “Senior Year Bucket List 2023.”  

So…have fun these final months. There is prom, parties, graduation, baccalaureate. But the “almost adult” part of your world has to focus on continuing down your future path. There are still many decisions to be made, such as final school selection, getting a job, or going into the military. All are life changing activities. While college has a social component, it is also preparation for your future world. If your path is a trade, manufacturing, 2-year college or the military, there are still preparations that need to be made.

It’s also a moment for parents. I found it to be bittersweet. I felt liberated, but supportive of my children’s choices. Continuing to support their paths financially, emotionally, and just by being present. Of course, I often had to put in my two cents…but, as adults, they could accept or reject it.  

Cherish these moments of your senior year and prepare for your “adulthood.” Ready or not.   

Patricia G. Egan, MBA, CFRE

Executive Director, LEAF

Continuing Education Options: Military Service

April 10, 2023, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Learn about career and educational opportunities in the United States Military branches. Recruiters from various military branches will talk more about enlistment, ROTC, and the Reserves and a representative from the U.S. Naval Academy will answer questions on applying to military service academies. 

Continuing Education Options: Skilled Trades & Training Programs

April 24, 2023, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

If you love to work with your hands, experts and program directors will talk more about career opportunities in skilled trades, apprenticeships, and other vocational postsecondary options that are in high demand in today’s workforce.

With the May 1st Decision Day approaching quickly, many of you are in the final stages of implementing a plan: deciding where to attend, what major to choose, and how you will finance your education.

Loans may be needed to pay the gap between the cost to attend your chosen college and the aid received. Our March E-Newsletter compared the loan options available to students and families. While the Federal Direct Student Loan is typically a student's best option in terms of costs, terms, and protections, the $5,500 loan limit for freshman year may not be enough. Parents can apply for the Federal PLUS Loan (a loan in the parent's name) to cover the remaining costs. The FAFSA is the first step to accessing this loan. Parents must apply for this loan at studentaid.gov and will need to pass a federal credit check which looks for adverse credit history. If a parent is denied, the student will have the option to take out additional loan funds up to $4,000 for the year.

Private student loans are another option. Borrowers typically apply for these loans online. FinAid.org's Loan Comparison is a helpful resource to begin evaluating options. Some private lenders also offer a parent loan - a school loan in the parent's name borrowed on behalf of the student.

Students should avoid excessive student loan debt, but what is "excessive"? A good rule of thumb is to avoid borrowing more than your anticipated annual income for your first year after graduation. This will allow you to keep monthly loan payment under 10% of your total monthly expenses.

Consider other options to keep college costs low, including starting at a community college or branch campus, or commuting to a four-year college from home.

If considering a gap year, be sure to have a plan. A meaningful gap year should filled with educational and developmental learning experiences designed to foster personal growth and increase self-awareness. It should incorporate purposeful activities that will have an impact on college success. Gap year activities may include travel, internships, volunteer work, and academic preparation. Taking a deep dive into computer networking, homeschooling online students, and volunteering on a political campaign are just a few ideas. 

Follow this timeline over the next four months to stay on track over the next several months.

Continue to apply for scholarships throughout your time in college or technical/trade schools. Check with your academic department to see if there are opportunities specific to your area of study. Many institutions and external scholarship providers offer opportunities to upperclassmen.

Scholarship Search Websites

BigFuture

Cappex

Career OneStop

Cleveland Foundation

College Board

College Gold

Fast Web

Going Merry

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

LEAF

My Scholly

Ohio Means Jobs

Peterson's

SallieMae

Scholarship Owl

Scholarship 360

Scholarships for Women

United Negro College Fund

It is not too late to file a FAFSA for the 2023-24 academic year! Whether you are heading to a 4-year college or university, a 2-year college, or a career technical/trade school enrolled in a program over 600 hours, you will not want to skip this important step. The FAFSA is required to be eligible for federal and state grants, the Federal Direct Student Loan, the Federal Parent Plus Loan, Federal Work-Study programs, and institutional grants at most colleges.

Your LEAF advisor can help you file a FAFSA and answer your postsecondary funding questions.

Get connected with your LEAF advisor today!

Thank you to Western Reserve Junior Service League for making this publication possible and to all of our LEAF E-Newsletter sponsors: