We have reached the end of another regular school year. When I refer to it as ‘regular’ I mean that there was no pandemic involved or Government closures. While there was still concern over Covid-19, school was held as usual, except for the many snow storms.

With the end of the school year, we have another group of graduates. Young people who have big plans and also big decisions ahead of them. They must consider the path they want to take that will shape their future.

I remember trying to make that difficult decision. I had several different interests and a lot of jobs I wanted to go into. My first decision was what college to attend. None of that came to fruition over the next few years. I ended up getting married, canceling my college registration and taking a job with the local newspaper. That is what formed my future.

I have seen so many people head down one path and then change after graduating or getting their college degree. The jobs they end up taking may not have anything to do with the degree they pursued. However, it may actually turn out to be something they enjoy even more. 

At the very young age of 17 or 18 it is really hard to know exactly what we want to do with our lives. I know there are some that absolutely have their future figured out and that is great however others are still trying to try new things. For them it might be best to enter the workforce first and maybe see if you like it.

For example, if you want to go into the medical field, maybe a job at a hospital or nursing home will help you see the future. If you want to go into business or finance, there are many jobs that can help you work with customers and numbers. You can even work in related fields as you take your basics at college or technical school. 

But if you don’t end up doing what you intended to do at graduation, know that it is ok to change your mind. Telling everyone that you want to do one thing and then ending up doing something else, that you found to like more, is better than working in a job you really don’t like. 

Many life changing events can shape your future. Things you can’t predict but lead you in different directions. Accept those changes for what they are. A guide to the future that you maybe didn’t plan for, but rather one that you will like even more.