As students prepare for the world outside of high school after graduation, new experiences and opportunities await them. North Harford alumni Kyle Schmidt, Mackenzie Clark, Jake Hackett, Gracie Goetz and Cody Powell share their advice for those entering the world outside of high school.

      Both Clark and Powell mention that having good time management is important to succeeding. Powell states that it “becomes vastly more important at a college level, no one is forcing you to go to class or study so it can be hard not to slack off.” 

        Clark agrees that time management is “super important” when you’re in the process of picking classes and doing your homework. She also mentions it’s important to manage your time with not just school but with work and especially yourself too. 

        Schmidt states to be prepared for unexpected things to happen because no matter how much you plan in the future it never happens exactly how you expect it to. He reminds students to “make time for yourself and appreciate yourself for what you’re capable of doing instead of being down on yourself for the things you can’t do.” 

        Alumni Hackett and Powell both agree that it’s a good thing to take risks. Hackett says that even though some risks may not work out every single one is a learning opportunity that can help you in the future. Powell says that “you might be surprised by how great it is to try new things.”

         Goetz wants to remind people to not be afraid to go to your professors for help and to participate in class, “they love it!”  She also says it’s important to always be listening and following directions and it applies to both school and work.

         Learning how to study is also important, says Powell. He explains how studying comes to people differently so finding resources and trying different methods will aid you in that process. 

         It’s normal to feel uncomfortable going into freshman year of college, fellow freshmen classmates are feeling the same way so don’t be afraid to make those connections and meet new people, explains Powell. 

        “If a job is mentally and physically draining, look for other options to make working enjoyable in any way,” says Hackett. He also states to “strive to be kind and thoughtful but don’t let others discourage you to follow your passions.”

         Hackett encourages people to “stop thinking about what people think of you and do whatever brings you happiness.” This goes for any direction chosen after high school, “embrace who you are and work on becoming the person you want to be.”

          Hackett continues with his last piece of advice which is to be mature and fight battles that need to be fought. He explains that it’s not necessary to waste time on negativity and people who don’t “push you to be happy and towards the life you want.” 

        “Life really is too short so live your life to the fullest and find the peace and happiness needed to have the best life possible,” Hackett concludes.