Early graduates share post high school plans

2018 Early Grads

Twelve years. Thirteen counting kindergarten. Students spend on average 1,000 instructional hours per year in school according to the center for public education. As senior year, the grand finale, rolls around, some students decide to graduate punch out early, leaving the school and what they would once call a daily routine behind to submerge themselves into the “real world,” as they exit four months earlier than their peers.

In the graduating class of 2018, 25 students made the choice to graduate early. Of those students, Abby Pashan, Majda Suljic and William Gage shared their experiences with graduating early.

“I was getting to a point where I was sick of the same old thing,” Suljic said. “I had taken all of the classes I wanted to, and there was nothing else to spark my interest. Club Volley ball also takes a lot of my time and I have missed a lot of school in the past because of it. Now it is nice to not miss and be behind.”

Similar to Suljic, Pashan simply lost interest in the high school setting.

“I had friends who decided on graduating early, so I became interested. After talking with my counselor, I realized there weren’t any classes that I was interested in taking second semester, so I decided to graduate,” Pashan said.

Gage had different intentions when graduating early.

“I chose to graduate early because my plan was to join the military as soon as I could,” Gage said.

Unfortunately, Gage’s plans were spoiled when he discovered that he could not join the military due to past hip injuries.

“I wanted to join the military because my dad was in the military, and so was my grandpa. I just wanted to be involved in something bigger than myself,” Gage said.

Instead of letting this defeat get the best of him, he changed plans and focused on a new future.

“I got a full time job at Miracle Car Wash once I graduated high school and plan to start at Hawkeye Community College in the fall with a major in criminal justice,” Gage said.

Similar to Gage, Pashan was pulled to the full time job aspect, along with the break before beginning four more years of school.

“I babysit twin girls for a single mom, and that takes up a lot of time since I watch them for eight or more hours at a time,” she said. “I have also been spending a lot of time with family and friends again and just taking time for myself since I am no longer stressed or worried about school.”

After this summer, Pashan has decided to attend Iowa State University with an undecided major but is looking at the human science field.

Suljic also plans to attend school in the fall, but has taken her time off to also focus on her future paths.

“I still don’t know where I want to go, so I’ve taken a lot of time to look into schools to make sure I live where I decide to go. I have also set up some job shadows at the hospital,” Suljic said.

After a close friend died earlier this year, Suljic plans to go into the medical field, she just has to decide where.

“I have been looking at Iowa, Grand View, Upper Iowa, Mount Mercy, Bemidji State, Mankato State and a few others. I’ve always wanted to be a hematologist and take the pre med route. After Evie passed away, I looked more into pathology and oncology side of it, and my passion for the career grew. All these schools will help me where I want to go,” Suljic said.

While the pressure put on students is high to finish with the class, these grads shared their advice on early graduation.

“Definitely think it through and make sure it is the best option for you. Don’t just do it to get done with school sooner because you could be missing out on some good classes and opportunities at CFHS,” Pashan said.

Similarly, Gage reflected on making sure it is the best option for one to consider.

“Really make sure it is what you want. It’s a good idea to have a plan for once you graduate and make sure the plan is set in stone,” Gage said.

Majda may not have a set plan at the moment for her future but has no regrets on her early graduation.

“If you feel like you’ve had your dose of high school and have put in the work to be able to graduate early and you’re thinking about it, just go ahead and do it. CFHS was fun, and I love my friends, but I see the friends worth seeing outside of school. I still go to games and support the Tigers as well. I haven’t missed out on anything because I graduated early. I feel like I’ve gained so much Instead. My mental and emotional health was not a problem before necessarily, but my break has improved it anyway since I’m more focused on myself and not the pressures that high school may bring.”