| The parents of most high school seniors insist that | | | | valuable experience. You can learn new languages and |
| they go to college immediately after high school | | | | cultures in a way that you just can't get from books |
| graduation. While college can prepare you for a | | | | and videos. |
| better future, some students need a break from | | | | Traveling can help you prepare for college if you |
| academics before enrolling in classes. There are | | | | decide you want to enroll later. Experiencing new |
| several other opportunities for high school graduates | | | | cultures can help you adjust to dorm life and learn |
| that can prepare them for the future without leading | | | | how to cope with unfamiliar settings and |
| them down a path to academic burnout. | | | | surroundings. It's an expensive alternative, but it one |
| Enlist in the Armed Forces | | | | of the most rewarding experience ever. If you have |
| Joining the military is not a route that everyone will | | | | the opportunity to travel - even if it's only for a few |
| want to take. While it can be a good way to learn | | | | weeks or months - it's well worth the cost. |
| more about the kind of person you are, develop | | | | Find a Real Job |
| important skills, and learn the art of self-discipline, | | | | All your life you've probably been listening to people |
| going into the military can also be risky and quite | | | | tell you how different life can be "in the real world." |
| dangerous. The pros of this option are that you can | | | | It's true that keeping a full-time job can be stressful. |
| make money for college later if you decide to go and | | | | Lots of times you have to learn to deal with difficult |
| you can get great job experience for your resume | | | | people and create your own solutions to problems. |
| when you return from your enlistment. | | | | But working full-time can help you transition to life on |
| You will also lean martial arts and combat self | | | | your own more easily. |
| defense skills taught that will get you in great physical | | | | You'll learn the value of hard work, think about ways |
| shape. If you decide to go this route and join one of | | | | you can plan for your future, and learn important |
| the armed forces, you might want to pick up that | | | | skills for dealing with the ups and downs of life in |
| Self Defense DVD and start a physical condition | | | | general. If you decide to go to work, look for jobs |
| program before you get to Basic Training. | | | | with a company that has a solid future. You need to |
| See the World | | | | earn a living wage, but you also need to think about |
| Lots of high school grads have their sights set on | | | | things like health insurance and other benefits. |
| seeing the world before they go to college. If you | | | | No matter what you do, take some time to consider |
| have the money and the ability to travel, exploring | | | | all of your options. Being too quick to make a |
| what the rest of the world has to offer will get you | | | | decision is never a good idea. |