Many students in the class of ‘24 are planning on attending a four-year college all over the US. Some like senior Kyndal Shively are committing for sports (softball), others are planning on following the traditional path through college.
But that pathway is not for all.
Other avenues fellow pioneers have expressed interest in trade, senior RJ Hunt is pursuing welding, and seminary, the path chosen by senior Angel Garcia.
For these students, U-High has been a place to grow these interests.
”Intro to Engineering is a class I took here,” Hunt said. “It helped with welding a lot and gave me experience in the field.”
While U-High nurtured these choices, their true influence comes from family.
“My parents are the ones who raised me Catholic” Garcia said. “They put you in the soil watering you and trimming your leaves. Our way of life is very Catholic, and I was raised under their roof.”
Garcia said he has felt a calling to be a priest and share his faith with the world.
In addition to family, friends, locations, and scholarships can also influence people’s decisions. For Shively, the offer to play Collegiate D1 Softball at Valparaiso was her sign.
“You might not get a better scholarship and you can’t pass up the opportunity,” Shively said.
Shively may have committed for her sport, but academics are still an important part of the picture: she is pursuing a degree in physician’s assisting.
Others are narrowing their focus to strictly educational or work paths.
“I had another option which was the Air Force” Hunt said. “I could apply for four or six years and then go to college with their help with payment.” Hunt decided against the military option due to the opportunities for women in the field of welding.
The opportunities presented by U-High have given these students an important launching point.
“My previous school caused negative mental space,” Shively said. “U-High gave me a fresh start and gave me confidence. I would not have been where I am if I stayed at my old school.”
Most seniors are still waiting for the news on those pending applications. But Garcia is waiting with great excitement.
“If I get into seminary, it would be like walking into a room full of peperoni pizzas,” Garcia said.
