Do You have a Plan for Life After High School?

Mesquite ISD

Hosted by a relatable teen peer named Maria, this video addresses the anxiety and uncertainty many students face when asked, "What are you going to do after high school?" Maria normalizes the fear of the unknown but emphasizes the necessity of creating a plan. She breaks down the overwhelming process of career selection into manageable steps, starting with self-reflection rather than job titles. The video explores various post-secondary pathways, including four-year colleges, trade schools, the military, and entering the workforce immediately. It provides a concrete framework for decision-making by encouraging students to list their interests, skills, desired lifestyle, and core beliefs. Maria models this behavior by sharing her own list and how it led her to pursue medicine. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent hook for career exploration units or advisory periods. It creates a safe space for students to admit they don't have all the answers while providing a practical "homework" assignment to get started. It specifically reinforces the role of school counselors as support systems and alleviates pressure by reminding students that career choices aren't permanent and can evolve over time.