Planning for Your Future

Middle school is the perfect time to start thinking about what you might be interested in doing after high school. While we don't expect students to have careers already selected, we do have some students who have already identified a career that they feel will be a good fit for them.  Lauren S is one of those individuals, and she shares about the path she wants to take after high school:

"Ever since I was in second grade I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up: a special education teacher. I had met Jack that year. He was in a wheelchair and he couldn't walk or talk, but we had a special connection. He made me smile like no one else could, and I was so grateful for that. Many of the other kids shied away, but all I saw in him was another kid. He loved music, and I had shared that same passion with him. We always listened to music together and it was so much fun. In seventh grade, I had gotten very close with him, but sadly, Jack had passed away that year. I was heartbroken for a while, but I finally came back around to things. This had only brought my determination to be a special education teacher to a higher level. Over the years, I didn't just bond with Jack. I had also met many other amazing friends. I had met three other very special people and I'm still very close to all three of them to this day. Even before I knew that I wanted to be a special education teacher, I at least knew that I wanted to have a job that helps people. I've found so much passion in not just caring for these people, but also becoming their friends. I hope to create new friendships through this passion, and hopefully share it with others throughout the rest of my life."

We encourage all middle school students to start thinking about their path after high school.  If you are unsure, the Wisconsin Career Pathways website is a great tool to identify clusters of careers that might be a good fit for you - check it out!  (submitted by Mrs. Plach)

https://www.wicareerpathways.org/