What are your top values for picking a post-secondary school?
When considering post-secondary education, the three values which matter the most to me are academic programs, extra-curricular activities, and geographic location. Of course, the first and greatest thing I look for in a college is a valuable education. Extracurriculars are certainly necessary for a well-rounded and interesting experience. Finally, I need to live in a location where I can thrive mentally and emotionally; I cannot be too far away from nature or my family. If a college doesn't meet these three needs of mine, I don't think it will be the best fit for me.
What does a “best fit” college or university look like for you?
For me, a "best fit" school is one where I may be both happy and challenged. I'm looking for a school where I may pursue what I love to do while reaching for greater heights with my education. Such a school should also be located in a place where I enjoy living, ideally with close ties to the outdoors. Overall, my "best fit" school will be a place where I may gain the tools necessary to pursue my ideal career while thriving mentally and emotionally.
What have you learned about how to create a fulfilling career for yourself?
The Callings discussion and readings emphasized the fact that fulfillment is gained through one's job value rather than their salary. While it is absolutely necessary to be realistic with your choices, you must let your passions guide you through the career options available. Personally, I've always been worried about failing to find the right job, or enough money. Like Sol Aramendi, I am interested in being an artist/educator, and her confidence inspired me. She refused to settle for a more typical job, instead using her innate creativity and boldness to start teaching her own class. I hope to act with such confidence some day.
What is one insight, or take away, you have about your own future path based on reading about the paths of others?
I know now that there are many, many more career options than I'd really thought about. I never realized "street corner astronomer" or "salmon slicer" were actually real jobs, and they sound surprisingly quirky and amazing! The readings make me want to do more research on these choices. Now, I envision myself in so many more different scenarios than I used to. Though this takeaway seems quite simple, it gives me a lot more hope for my own future. I'm excited and encouraged to explore all the worlds of possibility that are out there!
As of right now, what are your college and career goals?
I suppose that my most important goal is no different than anyone else's; to live a life that I am happy with. Ultimately, I need a college and career that will help me build such a life for myself. Of course, in terms of college, my academic growth comes first and foremost; I aspire to become as proficient and educated as possible. My goal is to graduate from college with a foundation of knowledge and skills which allow for a wide range of career possibilities. Ideally, in terms of a career, I hope to find the perfect balance between challenge and comfort. I must make sure I have options for creative, perhaps artistic, expression. To summarize: I am looking for both creative and challenging opportunities. Always, I strive to become a more confident and capable individual as a result of the choices I make, and to make future choices with confidence and capability.
How can you make your choices in high school better aligned with your future goals?
While I certainly consider myself a good student, and my grades reflect this, I certainly need to push myself even more than I have. I have already begun to take more challenging classes: College Algebra being the prime example. However, I'm now going to keep my eyes on more Humanities- oriented electives, especially those that are described as difficult. I'm already expecting to take Honors options as soon as they are available. Extracurriculars are also a good idea- I plan to return to Latin and flute lessons as soon as this pandemic is behind us.
What did you learn about yourself from YouScience?
I already knew and identified with a few things which my test resultsdescribed- however, several things did surprise me. I did not expect to succeed in the 3D visualization portion of the test, but it turns out I'm actually much better at it than I thought! I also never realized how much of a sequential thinker I am, how I piece together information in my head. One thing I certainly identified with was being a "brainstormer." I have so many ideas sometimes- often I'll have a hard time finishing individual projects because new ideas will draw me in. I love the energy that comes with a wild and excited collaborative creative session! I certainly underestimated myself in a few areas. It's interesting to think about some of my skills that I tend to take for granted or overlook most of the time! This makes me wonder about how many of their strengths some people never recognize. Knowing oneself is such an important step in discerning one's paths.
How do you think this knowledge might impact your choice of career? I certainly thought about which of my traits might make certain things difficult for me; for instance, working full-time on my own from home won't be good. Of course my experiences in 2020 have taught me this, but it was this test that explained why. I am an ambivert, or a "Blended Energizer", and though I need alone time, I have to work with people sometimes to be satisfied. Planning out my schedule is a strength of mine, but I crave some excitement in life that is best found by leaving the house. I also have to make sure that I'm being challenged in a career- using my skills and knowledge as best I can. If I ignore a strength of mine, it may go to waste and atrophy, and it is important to ensure that never happens.