Planning important for success after high school graduation

IRMO, SC (WIS) - Life after high school can be scary for new graduates as they step out into the world on their own for the first time. One issue some students have to deal with is going into debt to further their education.

Some advice two graduating sisters at Dutch Fork High School have is to start thinking about college early and know that financial help is available.

Senior Kathryn Baker is going to Midlands Technical College for a nursing degree. And her twin sister Michaela is headed to the University of South Carolina for Visual Communications.

Both say one thing they've learned start thinking about college early. So early on, you can find ways to pay for it.

"There are thousands of scholarships out there you just have to go out and find them," says Michaela.

"The earlier you start with those things the earlier you can start breathing again. And just know hey, I'm okay, I'm going to get into college," adds Kathryn.

One of the guidance counselors at Dutch Fork High says although resources are provided to students,  parents and students need to do their own research.

"We want to encourage parents and students to look for what's available in the area they're interested in or the college they plan to attend. It's an effort everybody goes through," says guidance counselor Dorothy Burckart.

Sometimes it's as easy as asking the company you work for, or church you attend, if they have scholarships available. Burckart says scholarships are still available.

And once the high school transcripts are released, you'll also know if you've gotten one of several state scholarships automatically based on GPA and test scores.

While some graduates have plans to head to college, others have plans to step straight into jobs.>

Burckart says the percentage of graduating students going straight to the workforce is growing. Last year Burckhart says 10% of students who graduated took on a job right out of high school.

She says many times when students are graduating high school, they want to find a job or career they're passionate about and they may not want to spend the next four years in a classroom. Burckart says just because they are not going to a four-year college yet doesn't mean they are putting an end to their education. When students begin working in particular field, they will get additional development and training available with the job.

Burckart says education isn't necessarily confined to the classroom.

"It is a joy working with teenagers," she says. "It is the best time in their lives because they have everything in front of them. And there are so many career opportunities out there that were not there before. And when they have the opportunity to get additional training in a field that they are really excited about. It's perfect."

Burckart says there are programs that are offered at Dutch Fork that allow students to graduate with certifications in cosmetology, automotive tech, and they can even receive national certification in health occupations.

She says the most important thing for every student, whether they're going to college or into the workforce or military, is that they do what they love.

Dutch Fork High School's commencement is Thursday.

Copyright 2015 WIS. All rights reserved.