Let me take a moment to share a little story that I think you might relate to. Recently, I flipped through my high school senior yearbook and couldn’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and cringe as I looked at those photos. I remember my senior year being packed with activities and social events, and even though I had plans for after high school, I was so caught up in the moment that I didn’t really think about them. I was just enjoying life as it came.
Then came graduation, and wow, what a shock! I had my plans – heading to college was the goal – but I wasn’t ready for how different everything would feel. I thought I was excited, but once I was away from family and friends, I felt pretty lost. Moving from a big home to a tiny dorm room with a stranger was tough. I went from being the “big fish” back home to a “little fish” in a vast ocean, questioning everything. Boredom crept in, and even though my college courses were demanding more than ever, I struggled to find motivation amidst all that freedom.
I made it through my first year without failing or dropping out, but it was definitely a rollercoaster ride filled with tough lessons and choices. Looking back, I realize my experience is pretty common for many seniors today – and maybe even yours.
The transition from high school to whatever comes next is massive. Whether it’s college, trade school, the military or the workforce, it can come with a lot of challenges. Some kids cope in ways that aren’t healthy, like turning to substances. Research shows this can have serious long-term impacts.
That’s why making a healthy transition out of high school is vital.
Enter LaunchPad.
I’m teaming up with Prevention Strategies, a research organization from North Carolina, to create LaunchPad – an innovative online program aimed at empowering high school seniors. Our mission is to arm them with the knowledge and tools to make smart choices about substances and other critical life decisions as they prepare for graduation.
But I can’t do this alone. I need your help!
Are you a high school counselor or other school personnel who work in career development or intervention programming or do you know someone who is? I’m on the lookout for passionate counselors to help shape LaunchPad for success. If that’s you or someone you know, I’d love for you to participate in a 1-hour online interview. This is your chance to share your thoughts on what your students really need. Plus, as a thank you, you’ll receive a $50 Amazon gift card and be among the first invited to let your seniors test LaunchPad when it’s ready!
If you’re a high school counselor, please spare 2 minutes to fill out this quick online survey by Wednesday, January 15. Your feedback will help us pick a diverse group of counselors to ensure LaunchPad meets the needs of seniors from all backgrounds. We’re only selecting 15 counselors nationwide, so don’t wait, complete the survey!
And if you’re not a high school counselor or somone who does career development, could you help by forwarding this message to any you know? I’d really appreciate it!
I’m thankful for my college journey, and thankfully I graduated on time, but it wasn’t easy. I wish someone had nudged me to think about life after high school during my senior year. While we can’t know what’s ahead, a little preparation could have really smoothed my transition.
Let’s work together to make that transition easier and healthier for your high school seniors, too!
P.S. To discover more about LaunchPad and explore additional ways you can support it, click here