Firstly, I analyzed that Pasco High School offers various programs to help students determine their paths after graduation. A notable example is the Career and College Center (CCC). When asked about the program’s main goal, Maria Zaragoza explained, “To help every single senior decide what pathway they want to take after they graduate. That could be college, university, or if a student wants to enter the workforce, we definitely support that.” This indicates that the CCC is an excellent resource for preparing seniors for their post-high school decisions. Maria also mentioned, “If they want to go to a union, maybe as a welder, or join the military, we support that too.” By analyzing the program’s objectives, I gained a better understanding of its role in guiding students after high school.
Secondly, after learning more about CCC, I asked, “How does this program prepare students for college or careers?” Maria Zaragoza replied, “We help by making sure you have all your ducks in a row when you are a senior. We have a dedicated person who helps students fill out financial aid applications, another who assists with scholarships and college applications, and me, who helps with the workforce side. If a student needs help applying for jobs or needs guidance on getting into unions or other workforce opportunities, I can assist with that.” From what Maria shared, it became clear how CCC effectively helps students prepare for their futures.
Next, I wanted to know, “How has this program helped past students?” Maria described, “Personally, I’ve seen students come in who have no idea what they want to do. They often say, ‘I want to do something, but I don’t know what it is.’ So, we explore all those options and provide them with more information about their choices after graduation.” This information illustrates how CCC has helped students navigate their post-high school paths, even when they feel uncertain. Maria recounted a particularly inspiring story: “One student came in, was very quiet and shy, and I was proud that he took the initiative to ask us questions. He decided to join field trips, and during one visit to a radio station, he recorded a commercial, stepping out of his comfort zone.” Attending CCC can be life-changing, as students can learn something new, such as how to push their boundaries.
Lastly, after gathering a wealth of information about CCC and understanding its goals and impact on students, I can confidently say that Pasco High School has excellent programs that can help students decide what to do after high school.
