We all applied to Uni High with the future in mind to some extent.

From the tender age of 12 or 13 we’ve all had college on the brain. After four years of challenging classes, strenuous homework loads, standardized tests, and hours devoted to extracurricular activities, the obvious step is to apply to a few elite colleges and hope for the best.

Or so it has been engrained into our minds.

What happens if after five years of what is essentially excellent college prep, a student decides that college may not be the natural or immediate next step?

The college process is finally winding down for many seniors, and the hottest topic up for discussion is which colleges people got into and where they are thinking of going. I think a better question is a less specific one:

“What’s next?”

My teachers, counselors, friends, and family have enticed me to believe that after high school at Uni, students go to college or are prevented from doing so by an unfortunate, tragic, and de-habilitating event. Basically, it’s either college or death.

I realize that the reason we all applied to Uni in the first place is because we are interested in learning as much as we can and having an impact on our future communities. Yet, that impact doesn’t always have to be attained through academia.

Many students at Uni have passions and talents for art, theater, community service, and athletics that don’t necessarily need to be or can be pursued through a standard university education.

Around the time that students graduate for high school they are at their most energetic and explorative point in their lives. Maybe spending a year or so following a certain passion, interest, or talent is more crucial and intelligent than rushing into an intense education.

Time spent exploring the elements that make up one’s self is time well spent whether it is in college now, college soon, or college never.