Next Steps for Lewis Cass Seniors: Planning for the Future
As graduation approaches, Lewis Cass High School seniors are preparing to take the next big steps in their lives. Whether heading to college, entering the workforce, or pursuing specialized training, each student has chosen a path that aligns with their goals and interests. Four seniors—Nolan Hahn, Mya Case, Maryn Zeck, and Brody Williams—shared their plans for the future, providing insight into how they made their decisions and what they are looking forward to in the coming years.
Choosing a Career Path
For many seniors, deciding on a career path after high school is a process that involves research, discussions with family, and self-reflection. Nolan Hahn, for example, found his passion for firefighting after his parents introduced him to the idea. “After talking to my parents about a few different career options, they mentioned firefighting to me and how I would be good for it, and my interest in it grew from there,” he said. Nolan plans to attend Ivy Tech, either in person or online, while also completing firefighter training over the summer. His goal is to join the Logansport Fire Department as soon as possible.
Similarly, Mya discovered her calling in the medical field after obtaining her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license. “I did lots of research on different careers and I was continually drawn back to the same one that I have always wanted to do,” she said. She plans to work as a CNA while pursuing further education in nursing, balancing hands-on experience with academic studies.
Finding the Right College Fit
For those pursuing higher education, choosing the right college is a major decision. Maryn Zeck, who has chosen to attend Purdue University in West Lafayette, considered multiple factors before making her choice. “I decided to go to Purdue mostly because of the campus location, but the cost and housing also influenced my decision,” she explained. She will be studying Pharmaceutical Sciences, with the goal of applying for the PharmD program in two years.
For Mya Case, Indiana University Indianapolis (IU Indy) was the ideal choice. “I have always liked IU but also did not want to move too far away from home to Bloomington, so IU Indy was a perfect fit,” she said. The decision to stay close to home while attending a university she admired made the transition to college life easier.
The Importance of Hands-On Training
Some students have chosen to enter apprenticeships or vocational training programs that provide valuable real-world experience. Senior, Brody Williams is pursuing an electrical apprenticeship, emphasized the benefits of work-based learning. “Becoming a certified electrician usually takes around four to six years depending on the schooling or how many hours you work,” he said.
Brody was able to earn a four-year apprenticeship class through his work-based learning program, which will serve him well in the future. He advises students to explore different trades, even if they are unsure whether they want to make it a lifelong career. “The reason I chose to do electrical and construction was because when I build a house, I don’t have to pay someone to do it since I have been in this career for a while. It doesn’t have to be something you want to do the rest of your life—it’s more about getting to know all the different trades,” he said.
Life Beyond High School
One of the most exciting aspects of post-graduation life is the transition to adulthood and increased independence. For Nolan, the shift from a structured school schedule to a firefighter’s work schedule is something he looks forward to. “In the upcoming years, I am looking forward to not having so much school responsibilities and having to worry about seven different classes a day,” he said. He is also excited about the work schedule that comes with being a firefighter, which typically involves working nine days a month.
For Maryn, part of her college experience will include living in a cooperative housing arrangement rather than joining a sorority. “The big difference between a sorority and a co-op is the cost. In a sorority, people are paid to cook and clean the house, whereas in a co-op, the girls that live there do the house chores. I also preferred the smaller size that the co-ops offered compared to sororities that tend to be larger,” she explained.
Advice for Future Seniors
As these seniors prepare to embark on their next adventures, they offer advice to younger students who are still deciding on their future paths. Nolan encourages students to explore different career options and talk to family and mentors for guidance. Mya highlights the importance of researching careers thoroughly to ensure they align with personal interests. Maryn suggests considering location, cost, and housing when selecting a college. Brody emphasizes the value of learning a trade, even for those who may not pursue it long-term.
Looking to the Future
The seniors at Lewis Cass High School are taking diverse paths as they step into the next chapters of their lives. Whether pursuing higher education, technical training, or apprenticeships, each student has carefully considered their future and is eager for the opportunities ahead. Their stories highlight the variety of options available to graduating students and serve as inspiration for those who will soon follow in their footsteps.
