Yep 6 words. If you can narrow down these, you’ll be well on your way to success in not only college/career but life. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Enjoy 🙂
Passion
Passion. You know the thing that drives you. The thing you do when you have free time just because you can. The thing you get lost in a deep internet search hole. That’s it. The things that get you excited about learning and spending your time. Passion may not be ONE thing for you. Maybe it’s storytelling. Maybe it’s taking a part computers and putting them back together.
For me, it’s writing and connecting with others, which is why I LOVE my job as a counselor. As you go throughout high school start paying attention to the activities and academic interests that get you going, and then dive in deeper.
Purpose
I find that when you lack a sense of purpose you really don’t know what you’re doing or why you’re even there. Your purpose could be to attend a college that allows you to be politically active so you can spread your beliefs and build a platform. Your purpose could be to expand your world and network so you can begin the building blocks for your future business.
My purpose is in helping others. It’s what gets me up in the morning when I’ve had a rough week. It’s what keeps me going when I feel a bit overwhelmed. It’s my why. What’s yours?
Personality
Spend a few minutes and get to know yourself in a deeper way to help you connect the dots. Take a mini Myers Briggs Assessment (you can take a free one HERE) and read about how your character traits and personality play a role in big life decisions like the type of environment you thrive in best in college and the workplace.
Having a clear idea of the type of learning environment that you thrive best in and the type of people you work best with is HUGE in future decision making.
Place
Where do you want to go?! This could be attending a four-year institution, an art institute or maybe taking a Gap Year. Maybe you want to attend an international university. You’ve done the legwork and dove into your passion, purpose and personality, now find a place that can fit all of those elements in so you can’t help but thrive. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain. Own your story, own your wants and needs and get after it.
Payment
No one wants to graduate with a ton of student loan debt. Or take a job that doesn’t meet the bills. Set yourself up in a savvy way. As a family, it’s pretty simple to predict college affordability. It seems scary, but to be honest a few key resources can help give you a clearer picture of what you’re expected to pay. Check out this post on College Affordability.
Check out ONet for salaries and career options, but also be mindful that we’re in a quick-paced ever changing world where new careers are popping up daily, so don’t get so fixated on one position, but DO dive into your strengths and setting up a strong financial foundation like an affordable college AND a savings account.
Preparation
Alright you’ve made it. You’ve done the legwork of fine tuning your strengths and interests and researched your options in a way that will not only set you up with an option that works for you, but is ALSO affordable and achievable. Now is the time to get after it. Take that next step and enroll in the course, apply for the program, and get the preparation needed for your ultimate goal.
Phew! You did it! Way to go! Before I leave you, remember this…
- YOU are the only person who can have the best lens for what environment you work best in. Allow time to self-reflect and when people question you, STICK to your morals.
- Success is not defined by ONE thing or ONE place. There are MANY ways to get to success and it’s starts with YOU.
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