College
Who can I talk to if I want to know more about College or a Career I am interested in?
Mr. Johnathan Gutierrez in room #112
My Counselor
Other:
People who are in the career field
Parents
Teachers
When should I start thinking about a future career?
Right now. That way you can begin planning for college, start thinking about internships, and make sure you have the requirements and GPA to go to the college of your choice. You can also use this time to explore your interests that way by the time you do go to college you have an idea of what you want to do. Make sure to align your career interests with the Pathway you are in.
What is a goal?
Something to strive towards.
Scientific research shows that setting and working towards goals can contribute to happiness in various ways, including:
How many credits do you need to graduate from high school?
24
What is the Gateway/Pathway program at Miyamura High School? What Gateway/Pathway are you in?
Pathways are different cross-curricular tracks at the High School level that help students explore career-oriented curriculum and begin to think about career planning/decisions overall.
At MHS we have 6 Pathways: Health, Engineering, Arts & Technology, Technology (Computer Science), Business, and Public Service.
What are three main things colleges might look for when accepting an applicant?
GPA/Grades
ACT and SAT Scores
Extracurricular activities and Electives
Most jobs look for prior experience. What can help you stand out for a job even if you don't have prior experience?
Have good grades/GPA
Have good relationships with adults/teachers (Letters of recommendation, references, etc.)
Develop your soft skills/professionalism
Develop a resume
Get an Internships, Job, and/or Volunteer
What is the difference between a short term and a long term goal? Give an example.
Short term might be a goal for today, tomorrow, or the week.
Long term might be in a year or in a few years. 5 year plan, 10 year plan, etc.
What is an AP course?
Advanced Placement (AP) is a program which offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students. American colleges and universities may grant placement and course credit to students who obtain high scores on the examinations.
What if I am unhappy with the Gateway I am in?How do I change my Gateway or Pathway?
Bonus Point: What Gateway are you in.
You need to write a statement to the principal explaining why you want to change Pathways.
You need to go back and take any elective courses from that Pathway that you may have missed.
Often times yes.
What are websites or resources (including people) I can use to explore potential career options?
Counselors/College and Career Adviser
Choices 360
Thrively
Parents
Teachers
People in the community
Observe people working around you, picture yourself doing those jobs
Watch movies, read books, etc. about future careers you might be interested in
What do I do if I fail/don't reach my goal?
Learn from your mistakes and try again.
You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.
Johnny Cash
A failure is not always a mistake, it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying.
B.F. Skinner
Am I required to take two years of a second language (Spanish, Navajo) class in high school?
No, however, many colleges look for two years of a language.... So actually, YES!
Navajo
Spanish
*Working on making it mandatory for Freshman and Sophomores
What is resiliency?
The ability to "bounce" back after experiencing hardship and/or loss.
Can I start earning scholarship money for school now?
Yes, there are many scholarship opportunities available to students even just starting High School. Speak to your Counselor or Mr. Johnathan Gutierrez, the college and career adviser, for more information.
Going Merry
What is the difference between a job and a career?
A job might be more short term, might require less education.
A career is something you choose, plan for, and might go to school for...
What does the acronym "SMART" goal stand for? See if you can apply it to a personal goal of yours.
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Timeley
What happens if I fail a required class in high school?
You have to make it up in order to graduate by taking a Credit Recovery course. The courses are online courses where you can go at your own pace. This can happen afterschool, during summer school, and sometimes in lieu of an elective.
What are three ways I can build my resiliency?
Exercise
Practice Mindfulness
Set a Routine
Find/Make Meaning in your Life
Develop Emotional Intelligence (How am I feeling?)
Practice Gratitude
Laugh
Connect with Others
How do I pay for college?
FAFSA - Pell Grants
In-State Tuition, School-Based Scholarships (i.e., Lottery, Bridge to Success, etc.)
Scholarships
Job
Do I need to go to college to have a successful career?
No. However, most people who pursue higher education of some form (i.e., certification, AA, BA, MA, PHD) are able to find work they are more passionate about and typically receive more compensation.
What do I do if I don't have any goals?
Everyone has a goal in some way. But it's better to be intentional about your goals.
Figure out your interests, what makes you happy, visualize your future...
What do you want.
Develop a plan (self, with counselor, parent, etc.) to help you get what you want.
What opportunities are available for Juniors and Seniors at Miyamura HS specifically that can help students build their resumes?
Guild Internships
College-Level Courses (i.e., Dual Credit, CCTE, etc.)
Intro to Higher Education
Extracurricular Activities
What do I do if I am having trouble coping with my day to day (i.e., overwhelmed with school, grieving the loss of someone I loved, feeling "low," etc.)?
Let you Counselor know
Speak with a Trusted Adult
Tell a Close Friend
Know that You are Not Alone