Valley Views
Build a future-proof foundation for lifelong success
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In a biblical passage lies a parable of two builders: the wise one who constructs his house on a stony foundation, and the foolish one who builds on a foundation of sand. When the storms come, the house built on rock withstands the floodwaters, while the foolish man’s house is forever swept away.
In today’s world, the foundations of our lives are created in our educational institutions. However, each decision that a student makes poses a risk of laying a weak foundation, or, an opportunity to build a secure one. By carefully considering which classes best complement their own grand journey, young adults can create a strong foundation for lifelong success.
Into The Workforce
To assess the importance of their high school classes in regards to their future, I created a questionnaire for recent high school graduates to anonymously answer.
Out of five respondents headed to the workforce, three claimed to have taken at least one college-level class in high school despite having no intention of attending college.
According to one respondent, he’s glad he pushed himself to take math beyond his school’s requirement, stating, “While I may not use math nonstop as a welder, having a stronger sense of numbers can help if I want to start my own welding business.”
For those who wish to enter the workforce or trades, taking higher-level academic classes in tandem with career-relevant classes can broaden one’s foundation for future work world success by developing work ethic, time management, and problem-solving skills.
The Out-of-State Route
On the other hand, teens shooting for an out-of-state or highly selective university can take non-academic electives alongside an academic-focused curriculum in order to build a foundation that can support them far from home.
One recent graduate headed out of state wishes she took a culinary class in high school, saying, “Cooking for myself is kind of a nightmare!” While her high school classes have prepared her for the academic side of college, she regrets missing out on learning opportunities in the home economics realm.
Additionally, classes like cooking, woodworking, and architectural design challenge the mind in ways that differ from strictly academic classes. By routing unpaved neural pathways, electives like these can boost success in both day-to-day life, and when hitting the books.
From High Schooler to Service Member
Hard work is the pillar to success in any of the six branches.
According to three current recruits, they feel that pursuing academics in high school has set them up for success in the next chapter of their lives.
“By taking classes that challenged my mind and forced me to struggle a bit, I’m seeing a clearer path to high-tech military opportunities,” a respondent said.
“I want to attend college after serving, so academics are important,” wrote another.
Academic merit in high school can foretell higher advancements in military rank. Recruits who keep their nose to the academic grindstone have a leg up, as they’ve learned that tireless determination leads to positive outcomes, and a dogged work ethic is necessary to climb the rungs of the rank and file.
Staying Local
Of respondents who were staying local, many cited reasons such as proximity to family, higher acceptance rates, and saving money via in-state tuition. Yet, a surprising number also expressed the desire to earn degrees specific to Montana, from forestry to resource conservation.
Like most careers today, technology has become a baseline, even in many outdoors-centric professions. In fact, 92% of all jobs now require digital skills, according to a 2023 National Skills Coalition report.
Drones, apps, satellites, and data, mainstays in many Treasure State careers, reveal that classes like math, computer science, and even robotics can serve Montanan students well and fortify personal profiles.
From a tech-savvy farmer to a bookish sous chef, the possibilities are endless. Taking classes that interest you, along with ones that push you, will broaden your foundation and bolster your likelihood of success, no matter what path you choose to pursue. Access to a free education with no adult responsibilities is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Plug into a personal blueprint that will deliver the goods as you weave a positive narrative for your life.
