1 00:00:06,505 --> 00:00:07,965 - Hey everybody, I'm Connor. 2 00:00:08,345 --> 00:00:10,725 That's Doug. And this is the Bethel 3 00:00:10,725 --> 00:00:11,805 School District Presents podcast. 4 00:00:12,145 --> 00:00:15,485 And we have a truly amazing show for this week. 5 00:00:15,665 --> 00:00:16,885 - We absolutely do. 6 00:00:16,885 --> 00:00:18,645 Later in the show, Connor's heading over to one 7 00:00:18,645 --> 00:00:21,005 of our high schools to talk with a career counselor 8 00:00:21,005 --> 00:00:22,685 and some of her students will find out 9 00:00:22,685 --> 00:00:24,005 what a career counselor does 10 00:00:24,225 --> 00:00:26,925 and how they help set students up for success. 11 00:00:27,025 --> 00:00:29,245 But before you do that, Connor, I have a question. 12 00:00:29,525 --> 00:00:30,805 I want you to actually ask it 13 00:00:30,825 --> 00:00:33,085 of the students when you're over there at the high school, 14 00:00:33,345 --> 00:00:35,285 and I want to ask it of you first, sir, 15 00:00:35,345 --> 00:00:36,845 we teach our kids a lot 16 00:00:36,845 --> 00:00:38,605 of great things when they're at school. 17 00:00:39,265 --> 00:00:43,285 If you could become an expert instantly, 18 00:00:43,865 --> 00:00:46,165 that's a snap of a finger right there. 19 00:00:46,385 --> 00:00:50,085 You're an expert in anything, some field of study. 20 00:00:50,435 --> 00:00:52,365 What would it be, Connor and why? 21 00:00:52,545 --> 00:00:53,725 - Wow, that's a good question Doug. 22 00:00:53,725 --> 00:00:55,005 You always come up with these great questions. 23 00:00:55,265 --> 00:00:56,885 Let me think about that. Hmm 24 00:00:57,405 --> 00:00:58,405 - Hmm. 25 00:00:58,405 --> 00:00:59,645 And you always do this thing where you go, Hmm, 26 00:01:00,215 --> 00:01:02,005 while you're scrolling your phone trying 27 00:01:02,005 --> 00:01:03,085 to find an actual answer, 28 00:01:03,855 --> 00:01:06,205 - Don't tell them how the sausage is made. Doug 29 00:01:06,565 --> 00:01:08,405 - , - We keep some secrets here, 30 00:01:09,105 --> 00:01:11,925 but I will say that is a fantastic question. 31 00:01:12,145 --> 00:01:15,125 And my answer is, I'd like to be able 32 00:01:15,125 --> 00:01:17,765 to make balloon animals really well , 33 00:01:17,915 --> 00:01:22,245 like really well, like the best balloon animal maker ever. 34 00:01:22,835 --> 00:01:25,245 - What would be your go-to balloon 35 00:01:25,515 --> 00:01:26,925 that you would want like this? 36 00:01:26,925 --> 00:01:28,125 This is the one you're known for. 37 00:01:28,155 --> 00:01:30,005 What would be the balloon animal? I'm gonna 38 00:01:30,005 --> 00:01:32,005 - Go a panda bear and a panda bear. 39 00:01:32,085 --> 00:01:33,645 . I'm gonna make a panda bear balloon. 40 00:01:33,645 --> 00:01:34,685 I don't know how I'd do it. 41 00:01:34,965 --> 00:01:36,805 - I dunno, either. Normally blue. See, I'm not an expert. 42 00:01:37,565 --> 00:01:39,005 Normally they're long and stretchy like, 43 00:01:39,005 --> 00:01:40,485 like wiener dogs and things like that. 44 00:01:40,725 --> 00:01:41,805 A panda bear. But see, 45 00:01:41,805 --> 00:01:42,805 - That's why I'd be an expert. 46 00:01:42,805 --> 00:01:44,405 I could make ones that no one has made yet. 47 00:01:44,555 --> 00:01:46,765 - That is fantastic. That's actually a 48 00:01:46,765 --> 00:01:47,885 really good answer. Yeah. 49 00:01:47,885 --> 00:01:49,245 - Well there we go. Maybe I'll stick with it. 50 00:01:49,245 --> 00:01:50,365 What about you Doug? Where are you going? 51 00:01:50,915 --> 00:01:52,605 - Well, it actually is a really good question 52 00:01:52,705 --> 00:01:55,325 and like always, I don't actually have an answer that's, 53 00:01:55,385 --> 00:01:57,045 I'm just the one that asks the questions, Connor. 54 00:01:57,105 --> 00:01:59,125 So take that question, take a few other questions 55 00:01:59,125 --> 00:02:01,485 and you're gonna head on over to Spanaway Lake High School 56 00:02:01,705 --> 00:02:03,965 to talk with a career counselor and some of her students. 57 00:02:03,985 --> 00:02:06,285 And when you return, I'll have my answer waiting for you. 58 00:02:07,195 --> 00:02:08,965 - Joining us today is Colleen Coic. 59 00:02:08,985 --> 00:02:10,045 She is a college 60 00:02:10,145 --> 00:02:11,725 and career readiness specialist at 61 00:02:11,725 --> 00:02:12,765 Spanaway Lake High School. 62 00:02:12,935 --> 00:02:15,165 Thank you so much for joining us. We'll jump right into it. 63 00:02:15,165 --> 00:02:17,725 So Colleen, one of our school district's goals is making 64 00:02:17,725 --> 00:02:18,805 sure students are prepared 65 00:02:18,825 --> 00:02:22,245 for success in post-secondary education, career and life. 66 00:02:22,315 --> 00:02:24,165 Another way to say it is making sure our 67 00:02:24,405 --> 00:02:25,525 graduates are career and college ready. 68 00:02:25,675 --> 00:02:27,925 There's a lot that goes into making that happen 69 00:02:27,985 --> 00:02:30,325 and your job as a career specialist is 70 00:02:30,325 --> 00:02:31,445 an important part of it. 71 00:02:31,665 --> 00:02:34,805 For those who don't know, what does a career specialist do? 72 00:02:35,065 --> 00:02:36,805 - So, um, in a career specialist role, 73 00:02:36,805 --> 00:02:38,285 what we do is really vast. 74 00:02:38,865 --> 00:02:41,405 We kind of try to tailor our plan for how we interact 75 00:02:41,405 --> 00:02:42,765 with a student based on their need. 76 00:02:42,865 --> 00:02:45,645 So some kids wanna go to a four year traditional college, 77 00:02:45,995 --> 00:02:48,125 some will want to end up at a community college, 78 00:02:48,225 --> 00:02:49,885 two year college, tech school, trade school. 79 00:02:49,955 --> 00:02:52,045 Some will want to go straight to the workforce, whether 80 00:02:52,045 --> 00:02:53,165 that looks like a career 81 00:02:53,385 --> 00:02:55,085 or into an apprenticeship or internship. 82 00:02:55,705 --> 00:02:57,885 So what we do as career specialists is we actually meet 83 00:02:57,885 --> 00:03:00,805 with each student one-on-one, we ask them 84 00:03:00,805 --> 00:03:03,125 what they would like to do after they graduate from high 85 00:03:03,125 --> 00:03:05,565 school, and then we help them tailor a plan on 86 00:03:05,565 --> 00:03:06,685 the steps to get there. 87 00:03:06,865 --> 00:03:09,365 So if they wanna go to a four year university, 88 00:03:09,455 --> 00:03:12,445 we'll help them select some schools depending on their major 89 00:03:13,025 --> 00:03:14,685 and if they wanna be far away from home 90 00:03:14,745 --> 00:03:17,205 or close by, what their finances might be 91 00:03:17,225 --> 00:03:18,565 to pay for that school. 92 00:03:18,905 --> 00:03:21,325 And then we help them basically come up with a list 93 00:03:21,325 --> 00:03:23,845 of usually 10 colleges that would be a good fit for them 94 00:03:23,945 --> 00:03:26,165 and help them explore each of those colleges. 95 00:03:26,225 --> 00:03:30,005 We can help them do the, um, admissions applications. 96 00:03:30,465 --> 00:03:32,165 We connect them with admissions counselors 97 00:03:32,165 --> 00:03:35,165 who come here from the colleges to chat with students 98 00:03:35,865 --> 00:03:37,845 if they wanna go to a two year community college. 99 00:03:37,905 --> 00:03:39,325 We offer field trips there. 100 00:03:39,625 --> 00:03:41,525 So campus visits are super important. 101 00:03:42,025 --> 00:03:45,125 Um, as far as if it's a student who just has no idea 102 00:03:45,125 --> 00:03:46,285 what they wanna do, we try 103 00:03:46,285 --> 00:03:47,885 to start at the community college route 104 00:03:48,345 --> 00:03:50,685 or have them think about a career that they would like to do 105 00:03:50,685 --> 00:03:52,485 that would make them most happy. Yeah, that 106 00:03:52,485 --> 00:03:53,925 - Is, that is a huge job. 107 00:03:53,945 --> 00:03:56,125 You're covering a whole array of things here. 108 00:03:56,345 --> 00:03:57,925 Our strategic plan is what's called 109 00:03:58,085 --> 00:03:59,445 a portrait of a graduate. 110 00:03:59,665 --> 00:04:01,325 It says we want students to graduate 111 00:04:01,325 --> 00:04:03,525 with the following attributes, communications, 112 00:04:04,045 --> 00:04:07,365 critical thinking, confidence, competence, and compassion. 113 00:04:07,745 --> 00:04:10,045 I'm sure your work touches on all or most of those, 114 00:04:10,465 --> 00:04:13,205 but which one in particular do you see students 115 00:04:13,205 --> 00:04:14,405 needing help with the most? 116 00:04:14,805 --> 00:04:16,005 - I would say from my role, 117 00:04:16,885 --> 00:04:19,965 communication is probably the number one thing that I think 118 00:04:20,535 --> 00:04:23,205 would fall into the broadest category for most students 119 00:04:23,205 --> 00:04:24,245 that need help there. 120 00:04:24,755 --> 00:04:26,485 When in terms of thinking about a career 121 00:04:26,705 --> 00:04:29,445 or a college, you always need to go to an interview. 122 00:04:29,505 --> 00:04:31,965 You always, you know, that could be an admissions interview 123 00:04:31,985 --> 00:04:33,405 for a certain major at your college. 124 00:04:33,475 --> 00:04:35,605 That could be a career interview. 125 00:04:35,985 --> 00:04:37,645 Um, you could have to go through an interview process 126 00:04:37,825 --> 00:04:39,885 for a really awesome scholarship opportunity. 127 00:04:40,345 --> 00:04:43,285 So I think when in terms of these kiddos having been 128 00:04:43,285 --> 00:04:46,605 through covid for so long, a lot of them don't have um, 129 00:04:46,665 --> 00:04:48,605 or know how to properly communicate 130 00:04:48,945 --> 00:04:50,725 or they just don't know where to get started 131 00:04:50,865 --> 00:04:54,005 and they feel almost shy about bragging about themselves. 132 00:04:54,665 --> 00:04:57,085 So that's something that we try to work on really hard here. 133 00:04:57,085 --> 00:04:59,645 Having them write about those awesome things they have done 134 00:04:59,865 --> 00:05:02,685 and then teaching them how to put that into words 135 00:05:03,345 --> 00:05:04,445 and communicating that better 136 00:05:04,445 --> 00:05:07,645 to make them look like the most, um, successful candidate 137 00:05:07,645 --> 00:05:08,925 amongst all of their peers. 138 00:05:09,225 --> 00:05:10,525 - Oh, I'm so glad you mentioned that 139 00:05:10,525 --> 00:05:12,565 because I think it is often overlooked. 140 00:05:12,625 --> 00:05:15,645 We think about in school, okay, we're teaching them science, 141 00:05:16,075 --> 00:05:18,645 math, there is a communications aspect to this. 142 00:05:18,785 --> 00:05:21,245 You've got to be able to sit down with an adult 143 00:05:21,305 --> 00:05:23,845 and have a clear, honest conversation about what they bring 144 00:05:23,845 --> 00:05:25,805 to the table and a job environment 145 00:05:25,905 --> 00:05:27,285 or in a college environment. 146 00:05:27,425 --> 00:05:29,085 So it's really awesome that you're teaching 147 00:05:29,085 --> 00:05:30,365 that with a job like yours. 148 00:05:30,465 --> 00:05:33,565 I'm sure you see many celebrations as students find jobs 149 00:05:33,705 --> 00:05:36,685 or get accepted into trade schools, apprenticeship programs 150 00:05:36,705 --> 00:05:38,045 or colleges and universities. 151 00:05:38,645 --> 00:05:40,805 Recently you had a central Washington University 152 00:05:40,865 --> 00:05:42,485 and Washington State University visit 153 00:05:42,745 --> 00:05:44,205 for some pretty exciting events. 154 00:05:44,425 --> 00:05:45,765 Can you tell us a little bit more about those? 155 00:05:45,955 --> 00:05:49,365 - Yeah, so, um, annually each year we work with a handful 156 00:05:49,425 --> 00:05:51,525 of colleges that actually come into the school 157 00:05:51,545 --> 00:05:53,725 and do what's called on the spot admissions events. 158 00:05:54,115 --> 00:05:55,165 They're really awesome. 159 00:05:55,465 --> 00:05:58,645 So what happens is a student applies to that college 160 00:05:59,145 --> 00:06:01,405 and then the admissions counselor will schedule a day 161 00:06:01,405 --> 00:06:03,045 to come down here to the high school. 162 00:06:03,305 --> 00:06:04,765 All of the students that applied at 163 00:06:04,765 --> 00:06:06,365 that school get to come into the room together. 164 00:06:06,465 --> 00:06:08,925 So you get to meet your peers that might be going to school 165 00:06:08,925 --> 00:06:10,765 where you're going to school, um, 166 00:06:10,765 --> 00:06:12,085 and then you are given a, um, 167 00:06:12,325 --> 00:06:14,085 decision whether you are accepted or not that day. 168 00:06:14,705 --> 00:06:17,485 If it's a decision that is not favorable. 169 00:06:17,585 --> 00:06:19,965 The admissions counselor actually works with a student 170 00:06:19,965 --> 00:06:21,085 that day one-on-one 171 00:06:21,345 --> 00:06:24,765 and talks to them about steps that they can take to reapply. 172 00:06:25,105 --> 00:06:27,565 Um, and you know, like whether that means changing classes 173 00:06:27,705 --> 00:06:29,925 and taking classes that would be meeting their, 174 00:06:30,155 --> 00:06:32,405 it's called college academic disbursement requirements. 175 00:06:32,675 --> 00:06:34,645 They would talk to them about schedule changes, 176 00:06:34,795 --> 00:06:37,085 just keeping their GPA up to be able 177 00:06:37,085 --> 00:06:38,765 to be accepted into that college. 178 00:06:39,505 --> 00:06:41,405 We love those events so much 179 00:06:41,405 --> 00:06:44,205 because you know, a, you get to see who might be going 180 00:06:44,205 --> 00:06:45,885 to school with you because that's such a 181 00:06:45,885 --> 00:06:47,085 huge barrier for these kids. 182 00:06:47,355 --> 00:06:48,485 They don't wanna leave home. 183 00:06:48,545 --> 00:06:50,245 You would think that they would just be so excited 184 00:06:50,245 --> 00:06:52,605 to get out that door and start their adult lives, 185 00:06:53,025 --> 00:06:55,325 but they're actually for the most part, really timid 186 00:06:55,325 --> 00:06:57,085 and they want, they want that comfort 187 00:06:57,085 --> 00:06:58,365 around them in their community 188 00:06:58,385 --> 00:07:00,405 and they know that when they're seeing other kids here 189 00:07:00,405 --> 00:07:01,685 that are applying for that school, 190 00:07:02,275 --> 00:07:03,485 that they're gonna go away 191 00:07:03,485 --> 00:07:04,525 and they're gonna have that friend 192 00:07:04,585 --> 00:07:07,525 or that new person with them that went here that, you know, 193 00:07:07,525 --> 00:07:08,885 it's like taking a piece of home with you. 194 00:07:09,385 --> 00:07:10,565 So, um, that's one 195 00:07:10,565 --> 00:07:12,965 of the reasons why I love on the spot admissions so much. 196 00:07:13,555 --> 00:07:16,045 Also, a lot of students here are first generation college, 197 00:07:16,225 --> 00:07:18,245 um, so they don't really know, you know, 198 00:07:18,245 --> 00:07:19,405 like how does, how to apply. 199 00:07:19,405 --> 00:07:21,605 They don't feel like they maybe have that support 200 00:07:22,065 --> 00:07:24,485 and the career center and the on the spot admissions events 201 00:07:24,505 --> 00:07:27,605 really kind of give them like wraparound embracement support 202 00:07:27,825 --> 00:07:30,525 to be able to do that, um, every step of the way. 203 00:07:31,025 --> 00:07:32,245 And it's just really valuable. 204 00:07:32,285 --> 00:07:35,085 A lot of times, you know, kiddos don't understand 205 00:07:35,115 --> 00:07:37,205 what the requirements are to get into a college 206 00:07:37,225 --> 00:07:39,765 and the admissions counselors are just, they're so nice. 207 00:07:39,795 --> 00:07:40,925 Most of the time they're students 208 00:07:40,925 --> 00:07:42,245 that actually went to that college. 209 00:07:42,785 --> 00:07:45,605 So they can speak of everything about that college, 210 00:07:45,605 --> 00:07:48,805 whether it's campus life, what clubs they can do, 211 00:07:48,835 --> 00:07:50,205 what sports is like there. 212 00:07:50,205 --> 00:07:51,805 They'll give them a real take on 213 00:07:51,875 --> 00:07:55,045 what it is like when they come to those on the spot events. 214 00:07:55,355 --> 00:07:58,125 Unfortunately a lot of colleges when you apply you have 215 00:07:58,125 --> 00:08:00,805 to pay a fee at every single college you apply for, 216 00:08:01,025 --> 00:08:02,445 for the on the spot admissions events, 217 00:08:02,445 --> 00:08:04,285 they actually waive the fee in most 218 00:08:04,285 --> 00:08:05,805 cases for all of our students. 219 00:08:06,025 --> 00:08:08,685 So they're really cool events and then they get swag too. 220 00:08:08,905 --> 00:08:10,045 So bragging rights, 221 00:08:10,185 --> 00:08:11,185 - You're so right. 222 00:08:11,185 --> 00:08:12,245 Those events are fantastic. 223 00:08:12,395 --> 00:08:13,925 I've been to a couple of them over the years 224 00:08:14,105 --> 00:08:16,045 and it is so it's hard 225 00:08:16,045 --> 00:08:19,965 to not be moved seeing these students get this amazing news 226 00:08:19,965 --> 00:08:21,165 that they got accepted to this college. 227 00:08:21,165 --> 00:08:22,565 Maybe it's a college they've wanted to go 228 00:08:22,565 --> 00:08:25,325 to their entire kind of adolescent life 229 00:08:25,325 --> 00:08:26,805 and to finally get that yes 230 00:08:27,145 --> 00:08:29,605 and to see that on their face, it is so cool. 231 00:08:29,755 --> 00:08:31,605 It's like such an uplifting thing. 232 00:08:31,645 --> 00:08:32,925 I I, whenever I see that on 233 00:08:32,925 --> 00:08:34,165 our calendar, I'm kind of excited. 234 00:08:34,345 --> 00:08:36,325 And you do, you get a lot of those types 235 00:08:36,325 --> 00:08:37,365 of things here at this job. 236 00:08:37,635 --> 00:08:40,165 What made you choose this job as a career specialist? 237 00:08:40,305 --> 00:08:42,365 And what about Bethel and Spanaway Lake High School in 238 00:08:42,365 --> 00:08:43,965 particular do you like the most? 239 00:08:44,145 --> 00:08:45,325 - That's an awesome question. 240 00:08:45,585 --> 00:08:47,405 So I actually started off, um, 241 00:08:47,405 --> 00:08:49,565 over at CTE at district office 242 00:08:50,185 --> 00:08:51,445 and just kind of getting 243 00:08:51,465 --> 00:08:54,485 to go out in the buildings occasionally really inspired me 244 00:08:54,625 --> 00:08:58,205 and kind of led me to know that this is where I belonged. 245 00:08:58,425 --> 00:09:01,525 Um, I'm really invested in our spanaway community so I, 246 00:09:01,845 --> 00:09:04,965 I purposely wanted to be at Spanaway Lake High School so 247 00:09:04,965 --> 00:09:07,485 that I could help our kiddos really understand 248 00:09:07,625 --> 00:09:09,285 and search for future opportunities 249 00:09:09,825 --> 00:09:12,485 coming from the CTE world, which is really tied in 250 00:09:12,515 --> 00:09:14,845 with post-secondary career options 251 00:09:14,945 --> 00:09:17,765 and things like that has, has really been a big draw 252 00:09:17,765 --> 00:09:18,805 for me coming here 253 00:09:18,805 --> 00:09:22,125 because it's tying in the CTE world with the career 254 00:09:22,185 --> 00:09:24,925 and college readiness world so that the kids get kind 255 00:09:24,925 --> 00:09:27,565 of a broader scope on what you can do here in the now. 256 00:09:28,025 --> 00:09:29,205 Um, and take that with you 257 00:09:29,225 --> 00:09:31,125 for your future post-secondary steps. 258 00:09:31,705 --> 00:09:34,565 So that's part of why I decided to come here 259 00:09:34,565 --> 00:09:37,005 because it's um, like you said, just coming out, 260 00:09:37,005 --> 00:09:40,845 being in the buildings you, you're inspired by seeing all 261 00:09:40,845 --> 00:09:42,885 of the cool things that the students are doing 262 00:09:42,945 --> 00:09:44,325 and seeing the courageous steps 263 00:09:44,325 --> 00:09:45,525 that they're taking to get there. 264 00:09:45,835 --> 00:09:49,045 It's a really meaningful position and I absolutely love it. 265 00:09:49,185 --> 00:09:51,125 So I couldn't see myself anywhere else. 266 00:09:51,475 --> 00:09:52,605 - Well we're glad you're here 267 00:09:52,665 --> 00:09:54,285 and we are glad you joined us today 268 00:09:54,425 --> 00:09:56,005 and we are also thrilled 269 00:09:56,025 --> 00:09:59,245 to welcome Spanaway Lake High School students, Jacelyn, 270 00:09:59,715 --> 00:10:02,685 Shamaya, Alexis and Cushy to the show. 271 00:10:02,985 --> 00:10:04,805 So as high school students, what's the biggest 272 00:10:05,325 --> 00:10:08,245 obstacle you see in life after graduation? 273 00:10:08,395 --> 00:10:09,445 Jacelyn, we'll start with you. 274 00:10:09,845 --> 00:10:12,525 - I would say paying taxes and anything with bills 275 00:10:12,595 --> 00:10:14,725 because in high school we don't have to worry about that. 276 00:10:14,755 --> 00:10:17,885 Even if you have a job, we do have a few classes here 277 00:10:17,885 --> 00:10:19,925 that help us with that, but it doesn't give us the whole 278 00:10:20,085 --> 00:10:21,485 spectrum of how it's gonna look like 279 00:10:21,485 --> 00:10:22,645 when we're actually outta school. 280 00:10:23,205 --> 00:10:26,165 - Absolutely. I can attest paying bills is the worst. 281 00:10:26,795 --> 00:10:29,165 What about you Shamaya? Same, same question. 282 00:10:29,265 --> 00:10:31,285 What's the biggest obstacle you see in 283 00:10:31,285 --> 00:10:32,765 life after graduation? 284 00:10:33,085 --> 00:10:35,965 - I guess financially stabilizing myself. 285 00:10:36,365 --> 00:10:37,605 'cause like my parents, I know 286 00:10:37,605 --> 00:10:38,805 they're not gonna help me afterwards. 287 00:10:38,825 --> 00:10:40,445 That's why I do like scholarships. 288 00:10:40,825 --> 00:10:43,165 So I feel like just being able to feed myself 289 00:10:43,225 --> 00:10:46,005 and take care of myself, it's like my biggest obstacle. 290 00:10:46,075 --> 00:10:47,245 - That is a big obstacle. 291 00:10:47,365 --> 00:10:48,645 I mean people take that for granted. 292 00:10:48,675 --> 00:10:52,325 Just surviving is not easy. Alexis, what about you? I 293 00:10:52,325 --> 00:10:55,125 - Would say just knowing what I wanna do outside 294 00:10:55,125 --> 00:10:57,445 of high school, that part is really tricky 295 00:10:57,665 --> 00:10:59,365 and a little bit scary 296 00:11:00,085 --> 00:11:02,445 'cause we know what's going on the four years we're in high 297 00:11:02,445 --> 00:11:04,005 school and as soon as we're out, we're out. 298 00:11:04,825 --> 00:11:07,005 And that's kind of difficult and scary to navigate. 299 00:11:07,365 --> 00:11:08,525 - Cushy, what about you? Uh, 300 00:11:08,625 --> 00:11:10,205 what's the biggest obstacle you see 301 00:11:10,205 --> 00:11:11,365 in life after graduation? 302 00:11:11,605 --> 00:11:14,365 - I would've to say relocation as I'm starting 303 00:11:14,385 --> 00:11:16,885 to compare all my options for college next year. 304 00:11:17,085 --> 00:11:19,525 I really want to think about which campus would be a best, 305 00:11:19,905 --> 00:11:21,005 be the best fit for me 306 00:11:21,505 --> 00:11:24,685 and I'm just a little scared of not being able to adjust. 307 00:11:25,225 --> 00:11:28,045 - So these are all very legitimate obstacles, 308 00:11:28,045 --> 00:11:29,765 which I'm sure you'll all overcome, 309 00:11:30,185 --> 00:11:32,405 but what is it about Spanaway Lake High School 310 00:11:32,405 --> 00:11:35,085 that's helping you prepare to overcome those obstacles? 311 00:11:35,145 --> 00:11:36,565 And are there any teachers 312 00:11:36,565 --> 00:11:38,725 or staff in particular you wanna shout out? So 313 00:11:39,325 --> 00:11:42,725 - SLHS has some amazing staff who has given a lot 314 00:11:42,725 --> 00:11:46,085 of input about all these colleges and their experiences 315 00:11:46,745 --> 00:11:48,845 and I've taken all of their input into 316 00:11:49,085 --> 00:11:51,045 consideration and it's really helpful. 317 00:11:51,645 --> 00:11:54,725 I also know that our career center offers field trips 318 00:11:54,745 --> 00:11:57,365 to UW Tacoma and I personally didn't go 319 00:11:57,365 --> 00:11:59,765 but I know a lot of my friends did and they had a great time 320 00:12:00,065 --> 00:12:01,965 and I think it's helpful to see it in person 321 00:12:02,065 --> 00:12:03,765 to know if the campus is a good fit for 322 00:12:03,765 --> 00:12:04,765 - You. 323 00:12:04,765 --> 00:12:06,125 So I'm sure you all have huge plans 324 00:12:06,225 --> 00:12:07,525 for life after high school. 325 00:12:07,635 --> 00:12:09,285 What are those plans post high school 326 00:12:09,285 --> 00:12:10,485 plans for you? Jacelyn? 327 00:12:10,485 --> 00:12:12,525 - So I'm going to go to UDub Bothell 328 00:12:12,585 --> 00:12:14,125 for my Bachelor of Science in nursing. 329 00:12:14,485 --> 00:12:17,125 I am going to be a certified nurse assistant 330 00:12:17,125 --> 00:12:19,085 before I graduate, so I'm gonna be working 331 00:12:19,305 --> 00:12:21,045 as well when I am learning. 332 00:12:21,265 --> 00:12:23,565 - That's awesome. On the job training. We love that. 333 00:12:24,065 --> 00:12:25,405 And, and Shamaya, what about you? 334 00:12:25,405 --> 00:12:26,805 What do you plan on doing after you graduate? 335 00:12:27,045 --> 00:12:29,125 - I wanna like work throughout the whole summer 336 00:12:29,345 --> 00:12:30,645 before I go to college 337 00:12:31,345 --> 00:12:34,485 and um, I'm going to Eastern Washington 338 00:12:34,745 --> 00:12:36,605 for science and diagnose. 339 00:12:36,905 --> 00:12:38,645 So I wanna be a baby sono 340 00:12:39,665 --> 00:12:41,845 and yeah, I can work as well on the job 341 00:12:41,945 --> 00:12:42,965 as well during college 342 00:12:43,425 --> 00:12:44,605 - And and cushy, what about you, 343 00:12:44,605 --> 00:12:45,685 whatcha gonna do after you graduate? 344 00:12:45,885 --> 00:12:48,405 - I plan to attend a four year university 345 00:12:48,705 --> 00:12:49,805 to get my bachelor's 346 00:12:49,865 --> 00:12:52,525 and then from there I want to apply to a master's program 347 00:12:52,705 --> 00:12:54,085 to become a physical therapist. 348 00:12:54,725 --> 00:12:57,645 I also value travel a lot, so I would hope 349 00:12:57,665 --> 00:13:00,725 to look into some study abroad programs. Mm-Hmm, 350 00:13:00,765 --> 00:13:01,765 - . 351 00:13:01,765 --> 00:13:03,525 So you're all about to finish your high school careers 352 00:13:03,525 --> 00:13:06,405 and I'm sure there's a lot of hard fought knowledge there. 353 00:13:07,195 --> 00:13:09,485 What advice would you give to any middle 354 00:13:09,505 --> 00:13:11,005 or high school students listening to this? 355 00:13:11,325 --> 00:13:13,845 - I would say create boundaries with yourself, especially 356 00:13:13,845 --> 00:13:17,445 with other people too because when you get into high school 357 00:13:17,865 --> 00:13:19,565 and middle school, you have a whole bunch 358 00:13:19,565 --> 00:13:20,765 of new perspectives in the world. 359 00:13:21,145 --> 00:13:22,605 But I would say create boundaries 360 00:13:22,605 --> 00:13:24,125 because a lot of people like 361 00:13:24,125 --> 00:13:25,805 to overstep boundaries when you don't 362 00:13:25,805 --> 00:13:27,805 really have them created. So 363 00:13:28,185 --> 00:13:29,205 - That's very good advice. 364 00:13:29,665 --> 00:13:30,685 Alexis, what about you? 365 00:13:30,745 --> 00:13:32,685 Any, any good advice that you would pass down? 366 00:13:32,995 --> 00:13:36,885 - There's a lot. I would say keep up with your grades. 367 00:13:37,465 --> 00:13:38,885 Um, that one's very important. 368 00:13:39,405 --> 00:13:41,365 I would also say I ask for help. 369 00:13:41,675 --> 00:13:43,565 There's no shame in asking for help. 370 00:13:44,035 --> 00:13:46,045 It's very frowned upon sometimes, 371 00:13:46,265 --> 00:13:48,485 but you're trying to get somewhere 372 00:13:48,585 --> 00:13:51,565 and if you need help ask for it because it will benefit you. 373 00:13:51,765 --> 00:13:53,485 Nobody's batting an eye when you need help. 374 00:13:53,845 --> 00:13:55,925 I would also say have fun. 375 00:13:56,305 --> 00:13:58,365 It doesn't all have to be super serious. 376 00:13:58,675 --> 00:14:02,285 Play sports, join clubs, practice a hobby 377 00:14:02,885 --> 00:14:05,085 'cause those will make you feel good about yourself 378 00:14:05,085 --> 00:14:06,285 when you are struggling in school. 379 00:14:06,525 --> 00:14:09,565 'cause you might and having something else other than just 380 00:14:09,925 --> 00:14:12,645 academics will keep you pushing, if that makes sense. 381 00:14:13,245 --> 00:14:14,765 - Cushy, what about you? Any advice 382 00:14:14,765 --> 00:14:16,565 you'd give to a younger student? Mine 383 00:14:16,565 --> 00:14:19,285 - Is actually kind of similar to Alexis's piece of advice. 384 00:14:19,525 --> 00:14:22,325 I would say really truly go out of your comfort zone 385 00:14:22,345 --> 00:14:23,925 and take advantage of the opportunities 386 00:14:23,935 --> 00:14:25,005 being presented to you. 387 00:14:25,465 --> 00:14:27,685 You know, before I joined all the clubs 388 00:14:27,705 --> 00:14:29,605 and sports that I do, I was just so sure 389 00:14:29,605 --> 00:14:31,045 that I would not have a good time, 390 00:14:31,225 --> 00:14:33,165 but I ended up being so wrong. 391 00:14:33,275 --> 00:14:34,565 I've gained so many skills 392 00:14:34,705 --> 00:14:37,085 and just the most unforgettable memories 393 00:14:37,305 --> 00:14:40,845 and I feel like doing all those extracurriculars really 394 00:14:40,845 --> 00:14:43,165 helped me make the most outta my high school experience. 395 00:14:43,795 --> 00:14:44,965 - Okay, here's the fun one. 396 00:14:44,985 --> 00:14:48,725 If you could instantly become an expert in just one thing, 397 00:14:49,115 --> 00:14:50,765 what would it be and why? 398 00:14:50,765 --> 00:14:51,925 Jason, we'll start with you. 399 00:14:52,545 --> 00:14:55,645 - So I always have these weird dreams about me being a 400 00:14:55,805 --> 00:14:58,725 synchronized swimmer and I really wanna be a synchronized 401 00:14:58,725 --> 00:15:01,765 swimmer, but I'm a cheerleader, so it's kind of, kind of, 402 00:15:01,765 --> 00:15:03,765 um, different spectrum of the world. 403 00:15:03,945 --> 00:15:07,605 But um, yeah, I feel like I would love to be a mermaid 404 00:15:07,605 --> 00:15:09,685 for like the rest of my life basically. That's what it is. 405 00:15:10,285 --> 00:15:11,565 - , that's an awesome answer. 406 00:15:12,655 --> 00:15:13,885 We're, I don't know how we're gonna 407 00:15:13,945 --> 00:15:15,165 get better than that, but All right. 408 00:15:15,165 --> 00:15:17,925 Alexis, what's your one thing you're instantly 409 00:15:17,985 --> 00:15:19,005 an expert at? Okay, 410 00:15:19,005 --> 00:15:21,485 - So this is kind of random, but I always wanted 411 00:15:21,485 --> 00:15:22,525 to like fly a plane. 412 00:15:22,525 --> 00:15:24,485 Like I wanna become a pilot, not like actually, 413 00:15:24,485 --> 00:15:25,685 but like just fly a plane, 414 00:15:26,065 --> 00:15:29,005 but I can't, I'm blind so that's not gonna work. 415 00:15:29,385 --> 00:15:31,845 But if I could one day just sit up there in the sky 416 00:15:31,845 --> 00:15:34,205 and just fly a plane expertly know 417 00:15:34,205 --> 00:15:36,005 what all the buttons mean, that would be awesome. 418 00:15:36,235 --> 00:15:37,325 - Yeah. Not have to worry about 419 00:15:37,325 --> 00:15:38,565 crashing, you know, what you're doing. 420 00:15:38,845 --> 00:15:40,125 I mean, that's a good one. That's you. 421 00:15:40,125 --> 00:15:42,045 You'd have to, you'd skip thousands of hours 422 00:15:42,065 --> 00:15:43,925 of flight school, uh, cushy. 423 00:15:43,945 --> 00:15:45,765 You're, you, you're an expert. 424 00:15:45,835 --> 00:15:47,205 Immediately, what are you gonna pick? 425 00:15:47,485 --> 00:15:50,005 - I would want to immediately be an expert in cooking 426 00:15:50,005 --> 00:15:52,485 because I've come to the very difficult realization 427 00:15:52,485 --> 00:15:54,485 that my mom will not be coming with me to college. 428 00:15:55,265 --> 00:15:57,565 So I'm gonna have to touch up on my chef 429 00:15:57,565 --> 00:15:58,765 skills this summer. 430 00:15:59,195 --> 00:16:00,195 - Very useful. 431 00:16:00,195 --> 00:16:01,765 All these very useful, especially the mermaid 432 00:16:01,765 --> 00:16:02,805 one that's gonna come in handy. 433 00:16:04,105 --> 00:16:05,925 All right, shamiah, we're coming back to you. 434 00:16:06,195 --> 00:16:08,765 It's pressure's on now. I told you there's no pressure. 435 00:16:08,885 --> 00:16:11,845 I was lying. This is pressure. So what do you got? 436 00:16:11,845 --> 00:16:14,365 You're what, what, what would you be an expert in if you 437 00:16:14,365 --> 00:16:16,165 could immediately be an expert? 438 00:16:16,315 --> 00:16:18,605 Skip all the process of learning it. Um, 439 00:16:19,165 --> 00:16:21,965 - I think being a private investigator, you know, 440 00:16:22,705 --> 00:16:25,005 be like secretive and like all that. 441 00:16:25,365 --> 00:16:26,885 I think that would be so cool just 442 00:16:26,905 --> 00:16:28,485 to just follow people around. 443 00:16:28,845 --> 00:16:31,005 I don't know, just like in, in the dark 444 00:16:31,065 --> 00:16:32,925 and like secret. Yeah. . 445 00:16:33,925 --> 00:16:35,645 - I think you could follow people around right now, 446 00:16:35,785 --> 00:16:38,085 but I mean, I like where you're going with that so. 447 00:16:38,275 --> 00:16:39,925 Well awesome. Thank you so much everyone. 448 00:16:39,925 --> 00:16:41,605 You've been awesome. And, um, 449 00:16:41,705 --> 00:16:44,725 congratulations on your impending graduation 450 00:16:44,905 --> 00:16:47,445 and we're all excited to see what you're gonna do next. 451 00:16:51,295 --> 00:16:53,125 - Great interview as always, Connor. 452 00:16:53,155 --> 00:16:55,685 Love hearing from those students and career counselors. 453 00:16:55,745 --> 00:16:57,565 Man, I wish I had leaned on mine a little bit more 454 00:16:57,795 --> 00:16:59,165 when I was in high school. 455 00:16:59,305 --> 00:17:01,805 So I really encourage all of our students to take advantage 456 00:17:01,805 --> 00:17:04,285 of that amazing resource that we have at our high schools. 457 00:17:04,745 --> 00:17:06,445 That's gonna do it for the show. This, wait, 458 00:17:06,445 --> 00:17:07,445 - Wait. 459 00:17:07,445 --> 00:17:08,245 Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, 460 00:17:08,845 --> 00:17:10,965 - . Whoa. 461 00:17:11,475 --> 00:17:12,525 - Wait a minute there, Doug. 462 00:17:12,745 --> 00:17:14,565 You're not getting off the hook that easy. I know. 463 00:17:14,565 --> 00:17:16,925 I say that every week. You forgot the big question. 464 00:17:17,065 --> 00:17:19,045 We saw all the, all these students answered. 465 00:17:19,045 --> 00:17:21,485 They had great answers. Don't steal any of theirs. 466 00:17:21,665 --> 00:17:23,565 But if you could snap your fingers 467 00:17:24,545 --> 00:17:28,485 and have a particular set of skills appear like 468 00:17:28,515 --> 00:17:29,885 that, what would it be? 469 00:17:30,095 --> 00:17:33,685 - First dynamics Snap. Way more base than mine had. It 470 00:17:33,685 --> 00:17:34,645 - Was lefthanded too. Oh, 471 00:17:34,925 --> 00:17:37,245 - your ambidextrous. 472 00:17:37,245 --> 00:17:38,605 I didn't even know this. Learning a lot 473 00:17:38,605 --> 00:17:39,965 of things about you here today. 474 00:17:40,545 --> 00:17:42,005 I'm going back and forth between two. 475 00:17:42,005 --> 00:17:43,045 So I'm gonna say both of them. 476 00:17:43,145 --> 00:17:45,685 One, I'd love to become like a stock market expert 477 00:17:45,685 --> 00:17:47,165 so I'd be able to read the room, 478 00:17:47,345 --> 00:17:48,765 or at least the Wall Street Journal, 479 00:17:48,765 --> 00:17:49,965 which I can barely even process. 480 00:17:50,345 --> 00:17:52,565 My second, and I'm sorry, I'm gonna have 481 00:17:52,565 --> 00:17:56,325 to borrow C's answer here, is I'd like to be a better cook. 482 00:17:56,545 --> 00:17:57,965 I'm good at following a recipe, Connor, 483 00:17:58,265 --> 00:18:01,045 but when it comes to just throwing things together off the 484 00:18:01,045 --> 00:18:03,205 pantry shelves and out of the spice drawer, I, 485 00:18:03,205 --> 00:18:04,725 that's not a skill I have. 486 00:18:04,745 --> 00:18:06,085 I'm a recipe follower. 487 00:18:06,085 --> 00:18:08,285 I'd like to be a little more creative in my cooking. 488 00:18:08,505 --> 00:18:09,845 - Oh, those are two great answers. 489 00:18:10,205 --> 00:18:11,365 I also love food and money. 490 00:18:11,545 --> 00:18:13,845 So , once you're good at those, gimme a call. 491 00:18:14,085 --> 00:18:15,725 - will do. And until then, 492 00:18:15,725 --> 00:18:18,045 we're gonna turn the mics off and sit here in the dark 493 00:18:18,075 --> 00:18:19,285 like we do every week. 494 00:18:19,785 --> 00:18:20,805 I'm Doug and that's Connor. 495 00:18:21,145 --> 00:18:22,285 And we'll chat with you next week.