The RISE Postsecondary Success team partners with high schools to ensure all students graduate on time and complete milestones for their identified postsecondary plans. In the coming weeks, we will celebrate the accomplishments of graduating seniors in our Core Network schools. Their dedication, hard work, and resilience have led them to this important goal. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
What is your plan after you graduate from high school?
Pape: My plan is to attend UCONN for Mechanical Engineering next year.
Mariam: I plan on attending Central Connecticut State University for Nursing.
Julius: Attending trade school at the Construction Education Center for HVAC.
Kannann: I plan on going into the army so I can attend college or trade school for free and be able to stack up some money to run a street stock team at a local track.
What support did you receive to help you form your postsecondary plan?
Pape: I always knew that I liked math and wanted to do something with math. I selected mechanical engineering after I had an internship with Pratt and Whitney last year, which showed me this as a career option.
Mariam: Last summer, I was able to do an exploration program where I learned more about nursing as a career, which helped me realize I wanted to major in the subject.
Julius: I did not know what I really wanted to do until last month when I met with a community organization our school brought in, which gave information on the Construction Education Center programs. This helped show the great program that I could join post-graduation to do something I was interested in.
Kannann: I received help from [school counselor] Mrs. Crittenden to do my FAFSA and all of my college applications.
What advice would you give to a rising senior?
Pape: Be close with your advisors who will support you through this process (teachers, counselors, etc). At some point, you will need recommendations, and maintaining relationships with teachers will be helpful. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Mariam: Focus on what you want to do next, and try to ask for help so they can support you with what you want to accomplish.
Julius: Don’t wait until the last minute to get a plan together. Think about what your hobbies are, what you like to do, and what you would be excited to do for work every day to get a plan together for what’s next.
Kannann: I feel future seniors should learn or inquire more about the military because I feel it’s a really good option.
What are you most proud of, as you look back on your high school experience?
Pape: I started high school in Africa, so I am most proud of coming here, learning the language, the school system, and making friends.
Mariam: Learning how to communicate more and having conversations with my teachers.
Julius: Finishing school and graduating. Excited that I was able to stay on-track and graduate on time.
Kanaan: I’m most proud of the guy I have become.
What are you most looking forward to, as you look ahead to the future?
Pape: I am most excited and looking forward to starting UCONN in the fall and being able to meet new people.
Mariam: Achieving my dream of becoming a nurse.
Julius: I am looking forward to the school I am going to. It might be four years of education, but it also comes with a lot of benefits while in school. I will be able to shadow professionals to learn from and get paid at the same time. I am looking forward to ending the program and getting a license for HVAC, too.
Kanaan: I’m looking forward to getting into stock car racing.
Follow along with us on LinkedIn and Facebook as we continue to celebrate our amazing seniors!