Hawks Embark on Post-High School Journeys

High School students are often asked what in the world they’re going to do with their life: surely an overwhelming subject. Some fix their minds on the complex decisions that accompany that specific topic. A few favor pursuing college while others journey toward uncharted routes. The majority of students at Houston High school are uncertain of how they would like to progress. Luckily, there is a united team of mentors here to help these individuals thrive and find success.

Among those mentors are Jonna Naylor and Kris Wagoner, both of whom have gone through tough career decisions of their own. Ms. Naylor’s first occupation wasn’t teaching. Before her career in education started, she worked as an executive director of a non-profit organization in Philadelphia for 15 years. When Ms. Naylor quit her non-profit job and moved to Alaska, she soon realized that she missed guiding others.

That is when her passion for helping rekindled, and she decided to apply as a substitute. “I fell in love with the Special Ed kids for the most part, all kids in general, but especially the brewing souls.” Ms. Naylor is noticeably enthusiastic about her job, “I'm having a good time. I love you guys, and I’m figuring out there's still time to learn. It is good to do that all through your life, so yeah, I love it.” Ms. Naylor teaches history, Alaska History, U.S Government, Civics, Health, Study Skills, and Special Ed.

Mr. Wagoner currently teaches Business, IT, Leadership, Yearbook, Freshman Transitions, Website Design, and Audio/Video Technology I-III. However, his career in education wasn’t his initial goal in life. He originally planned of entering the business world. Mr. Wagoner earned his business degree at Wyoming State, but hit a crossroad when he couldn’t find a position without experience. Mr. Wagoner called his old high school teacher and mentor for assistance. “I said, ‘I got this degree and can’t find a job,’ and he changed my life with one sentence, ‘Substitute teach until you figure it out.’ The rest is history.” Mr. Wagoner does for his students exactly as his mentor did for him; he is an inspiration to students facing obstacles and is a mentor for the whole freshman class.

These newest members of high school have it easier than the rest, in some regards. Freshman are not expected to know every step in their upcoming journey, yet the motivated still mull over career plans in the back of their minds. Joshua Stapera is among the few in his Freshman Class who has an idea of what he would like to do after high school. “I’ve been influenced because I’ve just always wanted to help people,” Stapera explained about his choice career of Psychology, which has guided his choices for the last year and a half. He works hard and hopes to earn scholarships to attend University of Anchorage Alaska.

Per expectation, sophomores have a little more certainty and have become more in-touch with their career plan than their freshman counterparts. In the tenth grade, decisions become more permanent and therefore more serious. Sophomore Joe Mach is already in the process of making important decisions for his career choice in the trade of welding. “I will get college credits through the welding program at Houston High School, and then go to a trade school and get certified in welding,” Mach confidently explained when asked about what steps his career plan involved. He is taking an unorthodox route by going to a trade school, which he referred to as ‘the best way to go’. Mach has been interested in a career of welding since middle school.

As high school wraps around the juniors’ fingers, they become closer to figuring out their set career plan after high school. While some will be satisfied with a simple desk job, Shawn Graham doesn’t want to sit still, but rather travel anywhere. He is striving to go to college at either Arizona State or North Dakota University for a Bachelor of Aviation. “Since I was eight years old, people have been taking me up in planes. Being able to fly sparked an interest for me,” Graham enthusiastically explained about his significance for the career. Professional aviation provides students the highest quality education available in flight and air traffic.

Seniors in the Class of 2018, who never thought every meticulous detail would make an impact, will soon have to make the most important decisions of their lives. Some might be set on getting sports scholarships, going to college, or even fighting for their country. Robert Ritter, who has been interested in joining the coast guard for a year, has already signed a six-year contract to fulfill that interest. “I don’t really like school, so I just thought that college wasn’t for me. I just want adventure, to go see the world, you know.” Ritter has entered the late-entry program, contacted a recruiter, gone through all the steps of his medical history, and will ship out on July 23rd, 2018.

High school students will continue trying to wrap their heads around career choices as well as getting advice from trusted advisors. Going out on a limb and chasing a new dream worked for Mrs. Naylor. “I'm having a good time; I love the students, and I'm figuring it all out. There's still time to learn, and that's good to do all through your life.”