In a matter of days, Lancaster High School senior students will complete their high school careers and move on to the next phase of their lives. During the four years of high school, they have been instructed to focus on the three E’s: employment, enrollment, or enlistment. Determining one’s future can be a daunting task, but some seniors who responded to an Eye of the Gale questionnaire appear to have their plans set for their next step.

Sixty percent of the graduating seniors said that going to college was the most viable option for them right after high school. Some said that they were planning to study education.

“I plan to go to Ohio University and major in math and history education while minoring in coaching,”  said Courtney Kern.

“I’m going to OUL for early childhood education, then hopefully getting a degree in special education,” said Hailey Barnett.

Others indicated that they are going to begin studying in the health and medical career fields.

“I plan on attending The Ohio State University to major in nursing to become a NICU nurse practitioner,” said Addison England. 

“Going to COTC to study cardiothoracic radiology and, in the meantime, continuing to work as a nursing assistant,” said Aquamarie Kesterson.

“I am attending Otterbein University to study biochemistry, public health education, and health communication,” said Evelyn Hill.

“Once I am finished with high school, I’m going to try to get into OUL and start nursing school and my career path to be an RNA. My grandpa always wanted me to be able to take care of him, but sadly I can’t anymore, so I’m following his wish and taking care of other elders in need,” said Baylee Gatten.

Other students are going to college to study career fields such as technology.

“I plan on going to college in the fall for graphic design; I already got accepted into the college,” said Aaralynn Selzer.

Almost 27% of the seniors who responded to the survey said that employment was their main goal.

“I plan on taking a gap year for college and saving up to get my own apartment and a car,” said Alexis Doe.

Lillian Morgan said that she is going to work at Ireland’s Salon and Spa, while Allison Buckley said it may be too soon for her to make too many changes yet.

“Just gonna stay employed at Sheetz, go full-time, and maybe work somewhere else if a better place comes up. Probably move back to California as well when my parents go, just so I don’t have to move out at eighteen,” she said.

Enlistment into the nation’s military is another option for about thirteen percent of senior students who responded to the survey.  Zachary Hill said that he plans to enlist in the Air Force, while Hannah Doty is going in another direction.

“I am enlisted for six years in the submarine electronic computer field, a top security clearance job in the Navy,” she said.

As their senior year ends, several students offered advice to underclassmen who still have to complete their high school careers. 

“Keep your head down and focus on your work. At the end of the day, the drama doesn’t matter, and people not liking you isn’t important. After you graduate, you will probably never see them again,” said Morgan. 

“Soak it all in. Every moment, every memory—hold onto them. Say yes to the opportunities, big and small, because time flies faster than you think. One day you’re starting your last first day, and the next you’re counting down the weeks to graduation. Make it count,” said England.

“Don’t worry so much about what others think of you and just do you. At the end of the day, all you have is yourself. Chase your dreams,” said Doty.