With the support from his family, like his father, who works at the trade school after graduation, many high school seniors feel the pressure to follow a traditional path of attending college, earning a degree, and building their future from there. But, for some students, their idea of success looks different. Instead of dorm rooms and lectures, they are choosing paths that require hands-on work and real-world experiences.
At OHS, several seniors have plans for after graduation, such as going through alternative routes like military service and trade schools. These alternative paths may not be popular, but for many, they have a clear plan for their future.
“I’m going into the Navy,” said Braydon Terry, senior. “I intend on making a career out of it. If you do the time, you can live very well off.”
For many seniors, the decision was personal. Inspired by his uncle, who had also served, he saw not only financial stability but also leadership in this lifestyle.
“He’s one of those stand-up guys…a protector,” Terry said. “I kind of looked at that and thought, I want that for myself.”
Others have shared this desire; Connor Paffrath, senior, has felt drawn to military service for a while. This decision is made both by passion and the influence of his family.
“I’ve always wanted to go to the military,” Paffrath said. “I believe that this country is the greatest on earth and I want to defend that legacy.”
With his plans to work in the Navy and remain in service for up to 30 years, Paffrath views his future with pride.
“My main goal is just to advance in the Navy, I want to make as much of a difference as I can.”
While some students are choosing to serve, others are finding opportunities in the trade career route, which offer hands on learning and income right after graduation.
“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do in college,” said Luke Hu, senior. “I prefer more hands-on activity, so I decided to go to trade school instead.
Hu plans to begin working right after high school through a program with TSMC, allowing him to earn money and gain experience without college debt.
“For the next five years, I’m just going to try and save up money, and work my way up in the company,” Hu said.
Brice Heller, senior, is also pursuing a trade, turning his passion into a career.
“I’m going to trade school to be a marine mechanic,” Heller said. “Ive been around boats my whole life, and I’ve always liked working with my hands.
plans to attend, Heller feels confident in his decision. Some people assume that skipping college limits success, but these seniors see it differently.
“I think people assume that if you don’t go to college, you won’t do anything,” Hu said. “But if you don’t know what you want to do, college can be a waste of money.”
Others say that their paths still show their growth, just in a different way.
“You’re part of something bigger than yourself,” Terry said. “You have so many responsibilities…but you also build a family.”
For many, their high school experiences played a role in preparing them for these decisions. OHS’s ROTC program helped students build their leadership skills and prepared them for military life, while others relied on experience and family influence.
‘My dad was in the Army, so he’s been helping me prepare,” Paffrath said. “Just making sure I’m ready for everything.”
These students have a similar mindset: their success is not defined by one path, but by their commitment to their goal. While others have a simpler perspective, it is still powerful.
“Just take the shot,’ Heller said. “If that’s what you want to do, go after it.”
