Class of 2025: Welcome to High School

Dear Class of 2025,

You are approaching an exciting milestone in your academic career! High school is a time for learning, exploring, trying a new activity, making new friends, and importantly, preparing for adulthood.

We know that last part can seem scary, but over the next four years, it is our job to help you become college or career ready! Meaning, helping you map your next steps after high school. Is it college, military, or straight into the workforce?

To help distill the transition from jr. high to high school, we’ve looped in East Union academic counselor Susan Taiariol and East Union senior and MUSD Student Board Member, Sean Marsh.

Last month, East Union High School held their annual 8th grade parent night: an informational meeting for students and their parents to become acquainted with the high school, its administrators, extracurricular programs, graduation requirements, and the ins and outs to choosing educational pathways. (If you missed this meeting, find it recorded on their website here: Community Events / 8th Grade Parent Night!)

“We are working in reverse order,” stated Ms. Taiariol about selecting an education pathway.

“We want our students to look beyond today and ask themselves ‘What kind of career is going to get me out of bed each morning?’ ‘What career will make me feel proud?’”

We understand these are BIG questions to think about. And whether you already have an idea, “keep exploring!” encourages Ms. Taiariol. “Let this process be fun! If you allow yourself to enjoy it, it won’t seem so scary anymore.”

These links lead to career interest surveys the high school counseling office urges students to take: CaliforniaColleges.edu, Welcome to the Interest Profiler (cacareerzone.org).

Ms. Taiariol encourages students to speak with family members, community members, and take advantage of any opportunity to interview or shadow a profession. Put yourself out there and go explore! It’s all about finding your interests and learning your strengths.

In addition, there are many elective classes, school clubs, and opportunities to speak with your academic counselor to see what is right for you. Sean Marsh, having built a strong rapport with his academic counselor, Ms. Taiariol, states that heattributes a large part of his success to her guidance.

Next to building relationships with academic counselors, Sean recalls an important part of his freshman year, “In 8th grade, you may be with a small group of people who don’t really share your interests… but once you reach high school, you make greater connections!”

He continues, “You’re going to find a friend group, you just have to put yourself out there and be willing to connect with new people.”

A great way to make new friends is through a new activity, club, sport, or an elective class such as leadership. “Not getting involved sooner,” is what Sean recalls as the biggest regret among his classmates. “My general advice is: If there is a decision and your answer is ‘maybe’… Just take the plunge and say YES!”

Another success strategy Sean has is to try and merge your social and academic life. Fostering friendships that support your interests and goals is a key to success, Sean explained. In other words, surrounding yourself with positive people who support you, cheer for you, and help you succeed. This is what helped him get through distance learning.

Lastly, Sean urges students to remember that each day is a NEW day, and it is NEVER too late to turn things around. Sean has seen it many times, “Once they [students] make a mistake, they tend to internalize that mistake and let it define them. It’s not that one mistake that defines you, it’s the repetition of behavior that defines you.”

“If you do poorly on a test, or are failing in a class, find someone who did well and ask for a tutor; seek opportunities that help you,” he concluded.

Here is a helpful checklist for getting started:

Take the career interest surveys

Begin exploring career fields wherever possible

Introduce yourself to your high school academic counselor

Sign up for a new activity, sport, or club

Nurture positive and supportive friendships

Apply yourself and never give up

Sincerely,

All of us rooting for you at Manteca Unified!