It can be difficult, in the midst of a crisis, to clearly envision the future you. Often, you will find power and purpose when you start to take steps towards what’s next. Here are some ideas for things you can do to keep moving forward:
Keep learning. While you have wrapped up online learning activities through school, you may want to consider some self-directed learning, and the possibilities are endless.
- Pick up a book you’ve been wanting to read, as you may now have the time to fully immerse yourself in a good story.
- Watch a YouTube how-to video—anything from small engine repair (i.e help get the lawn mower running again) to learning guitar to creating animated videos.
- How about extending your interest in photography or video by capturing images of spring in bloom or what Main St. looks like during a pandemic?
- Perhaps take a college class—for free! Hundreds of colleges and universities offer versions of classes offered on their campuses, also known as Massive Open Online Courses or MOOC’s, at no cost, through websites like Coursera or EdX. Get a risk-free taste of what it’s like to take a college class, even at a place like Yale.
Think about what you might want to do or be “when you grow up.” If you’re like most people, you will work at least a dozen different jobs over the course of your life, with perhaps multiple career changes. You don’t need to figure it all out now, but you should start to think about a plan. Allow yourself to imagine, while also taking into consideration your strengths and passions. Work can and should not only provide income, but also joy and fulfillment.
Check out some of Next Steps Idaho’s tools to help you to identify your interests and strengths and how they can translate into jobs or careers:
Consider your options for postsecondary (i.e. after high school) education: a university or college, community college, career-technical school, or an apprenticeship. Does continuing your education after high school require an investment and/or financial sacrifices? Absolutely. But nearly all the data suggests that such an investment can pay off in terms of career success and fulfillment, as well as long-term financial benefits (or a “return” on your investment). There are numerous resources to help you explore your options for education after high school.
How to Find the Right College for You
If you have specific questions about how COVID-19 will affect your progress in school, graduation, or how Idaho’s colleges and universities are responding, you can learn more on the Next Steps COVID-19 FAQ page.