What’s Next After High School? Making an Informed Decision

Like many high school seniors, Linse was frequently asked the question: “What are your plans after high school?” She was just not 100% sure that going straight into college was right for her. That’s what led her to pause and to fill out an application at ACR. Turns out that a gap year isn’t just for college grads any more.

College After High School? Hmmm. Not Quite Sure Yet.

Linse writes:

There is a lot of pressure to go to college right out of high school. It’s exciting to think about having a dorm room and making new friendships and easy to get caught up in that excitement without thinking twice, but college is expensive. I kept going back and forth over what I would even choose as a major, and it seemed like a really big decision to just jump into when I wasn’t even sure. What I did know is that I want to travel. That’s expensive too, but I knew without a doubt that that is an experience that I want.

Flexibility + a Paycheck

I decided to apply to ACR because I like that it’s a place where I can work really hard, make a really good paycheck, and then have the flexibility to travel and take time off . I’ve been working as a full-time emergency float and the position allows me to do just that! I was paid for training to do things I never considered doing before, and without any prior experience in the field, it’s amazing to me the things I’ve learned to do since starting. Learning doesn’t only have to happen in a school setting. I work really hard–usually choosing to work up to 65 hours per week. The pay is right and when I go home at night knowing I truly made a difference in someone’s day–in their life–it’s all worth it. 

ACR Helping to Make an Informed Decision on College

I don’t regret my decision at all. I’m really grateful that I had the opportunity that I did. Rather than accumulating student loans, I’m instead building up a big savings account for all the things I want to do–debt-free.  I think it’s important to at least know there is another option and that if I do go to college right away, it’ll be a totally informed and well-thought out decision, not one based on what I’m supposed to do.