by Jessica Blackham
After four years full of homework, tests, and countless memories, this year’s seniors are getting ready to say goodbye to NS.
The class of 2021 will be moving on to all types of new and exciting adventures. Most may go on to seek to receive some kind of higher education, whether it be college or a trade school. For reference, 21 percent of seniors plan on attending a 4-year college while 19 percent intend to enroll in a trade school.
Another 13 percent have chosen to enter straight into the workforce after high school, and out of the entire senior class, 9 percent decided to serve a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Spencer Olson is among many of the young men of the senior class who have chosen to serve a mission. He’ll be serving in Detroit, Michigan and plans to leave for his service on Aug. 4.
“I am excited to live somewhere outside of Utah,” Olson said. “Detroit will almost feel like a different country from Utah, so I think I’ll gain lots of cool experiences.”
Going on a mission allows for real-world experience of what it’s like to live on your own without any friends or family around. Olson has been preparing to serve a mission for his whole life, and is excited for this opportunity.
“I’ve always kind of known that I was going to serve a mission,” Olsen said. “I’ve been pretty much planning to go my whole life and then as I watched my friends go on missions, it kinda made me even more excited to serve my own mission.”
Upon returning, Olson plans on attending Snow College to further his education.
Snow College is often a popular choice among NS students. Approximately 38 percent of seniors are planning on attending a 2-year college like snow. A fellow classmate, Cassi Cook will also be attending Snow College.
“Snow College really is a great school for what it costs,” Cook said. “It’s a good starter school because it is so cheap just to go and get your generals and stuff. Plus, it’s close to home so it’s an easier transition out of high school.”
While Cook is excited about going to Snow College, it definitely wasn’t an easy decision for her to make.
“At first I thought I wanted to leave and go to Dixie,” Cook said. “But I could tell that my mom wanted me to stay around here at least for my first year and moms are such a huge influence in our lives. I trust my mom, so I thought about what she said and I realized that Snow is where I should go.”
Deciding what college is best for you can be a long and hard decision. There are many factors to consider when choosing where you want to go. It’s not a decision one makes lightly.
For senior Halee Pay, deciding on a college involved touring different campuses.
“I went on a couple of different college tours,” Pay said. “I went to the Dixie tour and I ended up liking the atmosphere better and how much warmer it is down there. But what I liked most was I got to tour specific buildings that were meant for what I’m planning to major in.”
At the end of the day, entering into this next stage of their lives is exciting, despite the stress and uncertainty that comes with trying to make the best decisions.
“I’m most definitely nervous to move out and be on my own,” Pay said. “But, I’m also really excited to meet new friends and have new experiences. I still can’t believe that I’m a senior and that I’m actually going to college, but it’s all very exciting.”