Welcome to your senior year! The next nine months are going to go quickly and you soon will be turning the page on high school and starting a new chapter. What will that chapter look like? It's up to you! There is a lot to think about and decide, but don't worry. I am here to help you navigate all of the tricky parts and to help you make a smooth transition to your next adventure.

Raise your hand if you are tired of hearing this question. Well-meaning adults like to ask this question, but if you are unsure it can cause a lot of angst to say the least. Don't worry, and be patient. You don't have to have it all figured out, you just have to start. And you don't need to have all of the answers, you just have to have good questions.

1. What type of lifestyle do you want to live - not just financially, but personally?

2. What are you good at? What skills do people compliment you on?

3. What matters to you? What do you care about? How can you matter?

4. What are you willing to do to get to where you might want to be?

Spend some more time on Xello to do some self and career exploration. Do an in person or virtual job shadow. You can't be what you don't see. Interview someone you admire. You'll find your way...

Not sure what college is right for you? THE PATHFINDER is an excellent resource to help you consider multiple factors to help you find the best fit.

Madison college offers free virtual or on-demand workshops to help you explore your values, skills and interests and learn how to make informed career decisions.

This website has many career videos and helps you explore careers and college majors.

This website allows you to assess your skills and interests and make a career plan.

Take a Career Quiz.

The best way to see if you "belong" somewhere, is to tour it. Many campuses are offering preview days yet this fall. Too busy to attend one...virtual tours work too! You never know what your hook is going to be so keep exploring places until it feels right.

Follow this link to explore UW Campuses - and set up tours!

Also, plan to attend the Wisconsin Education Fair on Thursday October 3rd at Sun Prairie West High School. See Ms. Gloede for more information.

How many colleges to apply to is a personal decision. It generally costs money to apply, so apply to only ones you are willing to attend. Also, be sure the college has the program you are interested in. You can apply to colleges in a few different ways.

1. Go directly to the college website.

2. Use the common app. This allows you to apply to many colleges in and out of state with one application.

3. Use Apply Wisconsin. This allows you to apply to WI schools with one application.

* Fill out a form in the guidance office with Ms. Saari to have your transcripts sent.

Yes!! They do! The essay matters.

Tips to writing a good essay:

1. Be honest. Tell your own story, not someone else's.

2. Answer the entire part of the question.

3. Plan your essay out. Write a few different drafts.

4. Don't be cliché in your answers - be original.

5. Show don't tell. Paint a picture of what actually happened, then connect that idea to college or the future.

Advice for writing a great essay.

Follow this link for more tips and tricks to essay writing.

Upcoming event - The Senior Retreat!! Friday Sept 13th will be an off campus 3/4 day event dedicated to future planning. Many topics related to transition will be presented through discussions, activities and games as we begin laying the foundation of your plan for after high school. It's sure to be a great time!

The Madison Area Builders Association is hosting their annual Fall Career Day on Tuesday Oct 8. Come join industry professionals as they walk through the residential construction process, moving job site to job site to observe and experience various stages of home construction while learning from experts in each of those trades. Stations include: Sales and design, Concrete and Foundations, HVAC/Electrical/Plumbing, Surveying, Framing and Drywall. See Ms. Gloede to reserve your spot!

Don't panic. Nothing needs to be decided now. You will take a survey during mentoring and after the Senior Retreat Mrs. Gloede will begin 1-1 meetings with each of you!

Stop in or schedule a fall appointment with her to begin discussing your transition plans. This is the part that is fun!