March 28, 2024

Graduation seems to be the end of one’s educational journey, where we can finally achieve composure after all the hassle and tension of life and have enough time for self-growth and healing. However, it is only the beginning of more challenging phases of our existence. Senior high school graduation marks the point of our departure from the K-12 curriculum to face another world that awaits us.
Visualizing our ambitions and things we want to acquire, as well as envisioning what we aspire to become is smooth and easy. However, the process of actually achieving that objective is a different matter. The first crucial choice every student ponders on is going to college to pursue higher education or to apply one’s skills on chosen workplaces. Despite having to choose and pursue academic track or technical-vocational track during senior high school, there are instances where learners can take unexpected turns after graduation to prioritize what’s best for them.
Majority of those who enrolled in academic tracks during Senior High School such as Humanities and Social Sciences strand; Accountancy, Business and Management strand; and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics strand, would persevere for higher education. The academic track they chose prepared them for the subject specialization of the college courses they will seek. Those who enrolled in Technical-Vocational Livelihood track, Sports track, and Arts and Design track might face a dilemma on whether to continue to college or get a job. Before making this relevant decision, one must consider their capabilities, opportunities, and risks.
It is important to do a self-assessment to know your specialization and your skills. Identify your strengths as well as your weaknesses so that you would know your areas for improvement. Seek your parents’ and/or mentor’s observations and evaluation regarding your performance in the previous years.
For the opportunities, you should seek already for job hiring and the qualifications needed weeks before graduation. Also, you are at an advantage if your family or relatives have businesses or enterprises related to your specialization because there is a high possibility of getting a job once you graduated.
The last thing to consider would be the risks. Are you really willing to take the risk of exploring the world and going beyond your limitations? Are you ready or do you still need to learn and grow more? Reflect and contemplate on this.
After considering these three things, weigh them and make a decision.
Truly, life after graduation will still be full of ups and downs, twists and turns. We live in a complex and diverse world, and as you quest for a better life and future, navigate with passion and practicality. (JAMES KUDAN JR.)