Life is about to change for the seniors at ADM HS. For over four years, all they had known is high school, the comforts of living at home, and seeing their home town friends every single day. With only one semester left, it is time to get serious about after high school plans. Are they excited?  Are they nervous? Are they ready to take this next step in the journey of growing up?

 Nathaniel Aukes plans to attend Le Tourneau University in Longview, Texas next fall. He is beyond excited for this opportunity to study professional aviation. “I am excited to work my job as it is a dream that I have had since I was a little kid.” said Aukes. Flying planes is not an easy task however, and Nathaniel has put in a lot of study/training hours to prepare him. Even so, there is no certain guarantee of success. “For some abstract reason, I’m afraid I will not achieve my dream. This is something I have worked and studied my entire life for and I would hate for it to not come true.” He commented.  This is a real concern of not just Aukes, but many. Being unable to step into our futures to see what life would look like leaves students just like Nathaniel in a position of uncertainty. That is why he has put himself in the best possible position to succeed with all of his hours of practice.

Mackenzie Ireland plans to attend UNI next fall to study elementary education. Although ADM does it’s best to prepare students for their future, there is a lot of unknown territory when it comes to growing up. “I know I have a lot to learn, but I am excited for all of the opportunities.” Ireland said. Normally, these unknowns would cause a person stress or anxiety however Mackenzie seems to be taking her future in stride. “I’m just figuring life out one step at a time. I have a lot of support and I have faith that everything will end well.” she commented.  Amazingly, Mackenzie has learned to stand confidently, even when she is living in the uncertainty. This is a trait that will serve her well at UNI and further.

Holland Zwank hasn’t fully decided where she wants to spend the next four years of her life, whether its at Luther, Central, or Northwest Missouri State, but nevertheless she is committed to going to college.  Like Mackenzie, there is a lot of unknowns coming her way. “ I am a little worried about not knowing what I want to do or study. However I know it will all work itself out and I will end up where I am supposed to me doing something that I am supposed to do.” Zwank explained. There is a lot of stress that comes with making these big decisions, but Holland seems to be staying steady in fact that she will figure it out. Of course, school is not the only thing changing next fall. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with growing up and moving out. “I don’t think that there is a way to fully prepare for moving out and having to rely on myself to stay healthy and on track.” Zwank said. Overall, Holland is excited to start this new journey of finding out who she is and what she wants to do the rest of her life.

Take three seniors, all on different paths, but all excited to take that next step in their lives. Growing up is not something that can be stopped, but it is also not something to regret. All of the memories that have been made are not to waste. In fact, some of Mackenzie’s best memories might have come from high school. “My favorite memories are of irreplaceable times of connecting with friends.” she mentioned. The people we go to school with, help shape who we are, and who we are going to be. “I have really enjoyed just hanging out with people before, during, and after classes. Those have probably been my favorite times.” said Holland. Nathaniel specifically enjoyed a trip he took to Florida with his fellow band-mates. “It was just a lot of fun with a lot of great friends. I am very thankful for the memories we made there.” he explained.  Every one is happy to have had moments to look back on, moments to remember, and cherish forever.

A common theme with Nathaniel, Mackenzie, and Holland, is worry of the unknown. However they also all have a way to overcome that worry. Whether they have people to lean on, a work ethic to prepare, or a confidence in themselves, all of these seniors are excited to take on the next chapter in their lives. Here’s to growing up.