As eighth-graders across the state are busily preparing for the end of the school year, I hope each of them will take some time to stop and think about the future. Before they begin summer jobs or sports leagues, I encourage them to discuss with their families the upcoming school year and their plans for education after high school.
I don’t want any young people to think college isn’t for them, that it’s only for rich people, or that because their parents didn’t go, they can’t go. Whether they want to become teachers or engineers, or plan to work in exciting new fields in biotechnology and health care, or even if they aren’t sure what job is right for them, a successful high school career will open up opportunities for higher education that will provide many future possibilities.