A new chapter is set to begin for seniors after they walk across the graduation stage at Merriweather Post Pavilion on Wednesday, June 2nd.
Seniors can make a number of different decisions based on what they feel is most beneficial for their future, whether that be continuing onto a college or university, taking a gap year, joining the military, or entering the workforce.
“After I graduate high school in a few months, I plan to attend a 4 year university because it will offer a larger community where there is a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. When deciding where I wanted to apply this past fall, I knew I really wanted a big school with lots of school spirit, but also a school that could really offer me the best academic option,” senior Cara DelMonte said.
Many other seniors are also attending a four year university where they will pursue their dreams while studying for their major.
Choosing a major is certainly a challenge for students, and many often end up changing their original decided major after their first year.
“Right now I am debating majoring in either biology or nursing. I’ve chosen these majors because I am interested in entering the medical field as either a doctor or nurse after college graduate school. I also chose these majors because I’ve always loved science classes and want to base the majority of my college curriculum around them,” senior Ambrie Kagel said.
Students want to study a topic that is of interest to them and is best for their long- term goals.
Another option for graduates is taking a gap year; this means students take a year off from school while they figure out what they want to do in the future.
“Throughout these uncertain times, the thought of taking a gap year has crossed my mind. However, I feel like it would still be best for me to go to college even if there are some restrictions,” senior Leah Bakhtiar said.
As Bakhtiar mentioned, this year was definitely unique for graduates. That being said, it is likely many students considered taking a gap year due to the unpredictable year students have ahead of them.
However, other students decided to attend a college or university regardless of the circumstances ahead of them.
“I did not consider a gap year because I want to get my life started faster, and I feel a gap year slows that down,” senior Braeden Savoy said.
Savoy is ready to jump right into life as a college student with plans to attend University of Kentucky in the fall. Many seniors share Savoy’s eagerness.
“I’m excited to leave the state of Maryland and experience things on my own for the first time,” Kagel said.
Most graduates can agree that they are anxious to be on their own away from home for their first time. Beginning a new chapter in life, while extremely exciting, may also be intimidating.
Whichever path students choose, it’s safe to say that each and every graduate will be proud to say they are part of the Marriotts Ridge High School alumni, which shaped them into the person they are today.