With graduation right around the corner, seniors at CCHS are preparing for post-secondary education. While applying for colleges, trades, or scholarships may seem hard, don’t stress it! This article is here to help provide you with some facts from peers and peace of mind. 

Applying for anything post-secondary should always start with completing the FAFSA form. It may seem intimidating to complete a federal application with your guardian. Though the FAFSA is nothing to be postponed, both sides of the application can be completed without the other next to them. This means you can hop on the website right now and complete your side!

 Don’t freak out if you’ve been putting it off. Take your time and when you get the chance, get your personal and tax information, send your parents the link, and get your FAFSA done before June 30, 2025!

Interviewing one senior, Aodhan Anz, enlightened me on their feelings over issues they face. Aodhan gets stressed out from applying and the main stressor is the income portions,

“I feel like if I tell them they might not give it to me.”

Aodhan said the FAFSA was not as difficult as it seemed though.

 Aodhan de-stresses by sleeping, playing video games, or the ukulele. Aodhan believes that if you have issues over colleges, scholarships, or the FAFSA you should speak with an educated adult.

Speaking with another senior, Brianna Othman, she spoke about her perspective on these issues. Brianna gets stressed from applying because

“it’s always so hard to know if I’m gonna get any of them.”

Brianna said the FAFSA was not as difficult as it seemed, and that it was easier because she did it with a counselor.

Brianna de-stresses by reading,

“I just read a good book and then keep hustlin’.”

When asked what advice she would give she said, 

“Just try something that you think would be interesting and then- uhm- if it doesn’t work out then you can change it” and “It’s never too late.”

Brianna highly encourages seniors to speak with the guidance counselor, Mrs. Klaybor, about any questions they have.

Remember, you’re not alone! Other seniors are feeling the same stressors as you, and are always there to lend a hand. If you are experiencing issues in regards to post-secondary education or scholarships, talk with a trusted adult, a counselor, or your peers and you’ll get the answers you’re looking for!