Graduation is coming up soon for the class of 2025 seniors. While some students plan on attending college or jumping right into the workforce, others have decided to pursue their passion in defending our country. 

Soila Winter, a senior graduating this month, has chosen to go into the National Guard. “My brother decided to join, and I looked more at the benefits and realized it was a better fit for me. I think it will keep me on my toes in a good way, because I don’t like being bored,” Winter said. She will go to basic training for 3 months, under an 8-year contract with the National Guard. 

“I have been mentally preparing, as well as becoming more physically fit to do workouts. I am anxious that I won’t do well in it, and that the hard things will be too hard, and I might fail. But I am looking forward to the benefits, as well as the training. I think the things I will learn will be interesting and different, and I think that’s cool,” said Winter. “Career day [in past years] has helped shape my decision as well. They brought in people from different military branches who came and talked to us. I also think self-defense in athletic enhancement contributed to my decision.”

After her 8-year contract, Winter plans on attending either Drake University or Simpson College to study criminal justice. Before officially deciding on joining the National Guard, Winter considered becoming a nurse or pediatric doctor because she enjoys helping others. 

Another senior who plans on going into the military is Tanner Spoelstra. Spoelstra is going into the army under a 6-year contract. Following that, he plans to go to West Point in New York to study economics. 

“I have family members who have served in the past, and I have always had a passion for our country and am excited to serve. I have been working out as much as I can and reading up on all the knowledge on basic training to get ready. I’m not looking forward to leaving my family behind, but I am excited to make new friends and see new parts of the world,” Spoelstra said. 

If you are an upperclassman unsure of what your next steps are after high school, be sure to consider all of your options.