Air Force
While many Bulldogs spent their senior year preparing for college, Mariya Hersi, a Garfield Class of 2025 graduate decided to take a different route, and enlisted in the US Air Force. “At first, I was working on college applications,” Hersi said, “but I wasn’t too sure exactly what I wanted to study.” After accidentally crossing paths with a recruiter, she became inspired to seek out a new path. “She told me about her story and how she enlisted, [how] she was also confused about what she wanted, and I kind of resonated with that.” Hersi added that she plans to earn a degree while serving, and later use the GI bill for further education. Hersi acknowledged that choosing to enlist isn’t something to take lightly. “The military isn’t something you just do” because “it’s a serious commitment. Think about what your morals are and what matters to you most before you decide.”
Study Abroad
Many people dream about traveling the world and experiencing new cultures, a benefit a study abroa program can provide for students. Casey Miranda, a class of 2025 Garfield High School graduate, shared their story on the study abroad program they are enrolled in. Miranda joined the program through the Seattle Central Community College and is now in Barcelona, Catalonia. “It ended up being a lot easier than I thought once I got settled and kind of got used to it. A lot of people speak English, more than you would think.” Miranda said. They strongly encouraged studying abroad for students, especially people who want to step out of their comfort zone. “I’m learning so much about independence and making friends, being in such a new place, [it] really teaches you a lot about yourself.” Miranda said. Miranda’s feelings of anxiety around visiting new places are extremely
common but don’t let that intimidate you from broadening your approach for after high school
Gap Year
Plenty of seniors find themselves without solid post-grad plans and
would value more time to think, like. Athena McDermott, a Garfield High School Class of 2025 graduate, who chose to take a gap year in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia. McDermott believes graduates would benefit from taking a gap year due to the shift in perspective they receive once out of high school. Experiences like a gap year lead to increased responsibility, benefits for your future and some wild young adult lore. When asked what interested McDermott about taking a gap year, she stated, “I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high
school, and I wanted to give myself the time to think about different options.” For those hoping to take a gap year, there are a handful of colleges that provide a smooth transition back into school and plenty of online resources for opportunities around the world.
