In every high school, all seniors think about either college or work. Many choose to work since they believe it’s easier and it will get them to start getting paid at an early age. While other students choose to pursue their academic careers so they can get their dream job after college. Many seniors would love to go to a 4-year university and invest in themselves, although the price to go is expensive which can lead to debt and bankruptcy. For example, in Barmen Media, it states USC has increased undergraduate tuition to $66,640 for the upcoming 2023-24 school year. This adds up to the full price of being a student in the University Of Southern California per year. I had an interview with a senior who goes to El Dorado High School about college and Josh stated “Why am I going to spend money on college tuition when I can just start working and receive money” From what was told by many students, the only way to afford to attend a university is if you are filthy rich or if you receive a scholarship.  

Going away from college, some students are just afraid to graduate from high school since they know it would be time for them to face the real world. Many are ready while others are not so sure about it. The real world consists of working, paying taxes, paying bills, etc. Some students are just too comfortable with the care of their parents which will make them extra scared for the real world. Although, many Seniors believe they are ready to move out and be 100% independent. I had an interview with some of my ERWC classmates to ask how they feel about graduation some either said “I am ready to graduate but not ready to pay bills” or “I am just ready to move out of my parent’s home” 

The class of 2024 is actually a special group of seniors for one main reason. During the COVID year, the class of 2024 in 2020 was supposed to have their special 8th-grade promotion yet, it was taken away from them due to a pandemic that was going on in 2020. Many thought that they would be back to school in 2 to 3 weeks, yet, it turned out to be the whole year leading into their freshman year. To be realistic, the Class of 2024 never got to truly experience a true freshman year since there was a pandemic. In reality, their true high school experience started their Sophomore year.  

Freedom, many Seniors do not have freedom since they are living under their parent’s roof. Whatever their parents say, they must agree and do as told. A couple of football seniors stated “Once I graduate and turn 18, I am going to start working and move out of my parent’s house” many others said “I am going to dorm in the college”  Even though seniors say they want to move out after graduation or when they become adults, the hard truth they have to learn is that being an independent adult is a true struggle. This is usually why you see these young adults staying with their parents for a longer period. 

Well Class of 2024, this is it, this is your last 4 months of being required to attend school. There are many options for you to do after your 12 years of education, either work or continue your education to get your dream job. These choices you make now will lead to how your life will be in the future. The reality is, that the harder you work now and for the next four years, the easier life will be in the future. Although, the less work you do now, the more work there will be in your future life. As George Washington Carver once said, “Education is the key that unlocks the golden door to freedom.”