Commentary: A Senior's Perspective on Post-High School Pathways

Stock image of a graduation cake (Photo by Upsplash)

As a senior at Memphis RISE Academy, I've experienced firsthand how Tennessee schools are preparing the next generation for meaningful careers and lives of purpose. My journey toward becoming a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) nurse illustrates both the opportunities available to students and the guidance needed to help us navigate critical life decisions.

The Value of Advanced Preparation

Memphis RISE Academy offers juniors the opportunity to take advanced courses, including AP US Government, AP Biology, AP Psychology, Dual Enrollment, AP Literature, and AP Calculus. These represent more than academic rigor—they're investments in our futures. By earning college credits during high school, students can reduce both the time and cost of higher education. For families like mine, where college represents a significant financial commitment, these classes make higher education more accessible and affordable.

The Importance of Career Counseling

Memphis Rise Senior Jackie Rodriguez (Photo by Jackie Rodriguez

During my junior year, I faced a common challenge: choosing between two career paths I found equally compelling. I was torn between sonography and nursing, uncertain which direction would best serve my goals. Through regular meetings with my post-secondary counselor, I learned that sonography is highly competitive, with many students pursuing limited positions in the field.

This discovery was initially discouraging—sonography had been my dream. However, my counselor helped me think strategically about career options and personal fulfillment. My father's words stayed with me: “Whatever you do from now on is for you and your future, not just because we want you to go to college, but because it's something you actually want to do."

By the end of my junior year, I had found my dream path: becoming a registered nurse specializing in neonatal intensive care. NICU nurses work with premature babies and their families during some of life's most vulnerable moments. While some might find it unusual that a medical drama helped come to my decision, watching healthcare professionals provide critical support to families on shows showed me the profound impact nurses have beyond medical procedures—they offer reassurance, expertise, and hope during uncertain times.

Strategic Educational Planning

Once I identified my career goal, I began researching the necessary steps: required coursework, program expectations, job shadowing opportunities, and financial considerations. This research led to an important realization about educational pathways.

Initially, I assumed a four-year university would be the fastest route to my goal. However, after talking with my counselor and examining programs at Baptist University, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, University of Memphis, and Middle Tennessee State University, I developed a more strategic plan.

I plan to begin at Southwest Community College for two years before transferring to a four-year institution. This approach offers several advantages. First, it allows me to complete prerequisite coursework at a lower cost. Second, if I discover that nursing isn't the right fit, changing majors at a community college is more feasible both academically and financially. Third, I can remain close to my family support system while building the foundation for my career.

Staying near home matters to me. My family provides essential support, and maintaining those connections during my college journey is important. This doesn't represent a lack of ambition—it reflects an understanding that success requires both academic achievement and personal well-being.

Lessons for Future Students and Policymakers

My experience offers several insights for students, families, and those who shape educational policy in Tennessee:

For students: Begin conversations with your family early about your goals and interests. College represents a significant investment of time and money—approaching it thoughtfully rather than impulsively serves everyone better. It's normal to feel uncertain or scared about life after high school, but remember that your education has been preparing you for exactly this transition.

For families: Support your students in exploring multiple pathways and changing their minds. The goal isn't just any college degree—it's finding the right path for each individual's strengths and passions.

For policymakers and educators: Programs like those at Memphis RISE Academy—advanced coursework, comprehensive counseling, and strategic planning support—make the difference between students who merely attend college and those who complete programs aligned with their goals. And community colleges can serve as vital bridges, making higher education more accessible while allowing students to explore options responsibly.

My parents didn't have the opportunity to finish high school, much less attend college. They want me to have opportunities they couldn't access—not just a degree, but a meaningful career and the chance to build the life I want. Tennessee's investment in schools, counselors, and diverse educational pathways makes that possible not just for me, but for thousands of students across our state who are working to become the next generation of nurses, teachers, engineers, and community leaders.

The question isn't just what students want to do after high school—it's how well we're equipping them to make informed decisions and pursue those goals successfully.

Jackie Rodriguez is a senior at Memphis RISE and a recipient of the Tennesseans for Student Success Choice Champions Scholarship. The Tennessee Firefly is a product of and funded by Tennesseans for Student Success.