Over the years of being a student in the public school system, I have contemplated and been indecisive about my career in the near future. I have changed from one to career to the next. Most teenagers do not know what they want to do when they grow up, most of us do not even know what we are capable of to become successful.

I believe every public school should have career day and for it to be mandatory to mentor someone in the career you are interested in as a credit. I also strongly believe we should have a counselor who focuses just on every student’s needs, wants, and questions about their future. Whether helping them find a career, job, etc. They should help and inform students about college application processes, financial aid, loans, and scholarships. Many students in public schools do not have the support or information they need to encourage them to continue their education or future.

I believe this counselor should sit down with every student during their junior and senior year to make sure they’re on the right track towards their future. From my own experience, my school counselors do not have your best interest at heart about what you what you want to do when you get out of high school. Their only job is to sign up your classes and make sure you have the right amount of credits to graduate. Every high school should have someone to inspire them and make you believe you can be successful in the world.

I believe we should spend a week with a mentor of our choosing, and do a, “Day in the Life”, but for a week. We would work and observe right beside them. We would interview and ask any questions we have. We should get a taste of what the world is like, what real responsibility is, and for us to know what our job or career would look like. Whether it be a nurse, teacher, lawyer, engineer, police officer, or a CEO. Students in public schools do not often see or recognize what success looks like, what it feels like, and what it takes to become successful. These mentors would provide advice and encouragement to young men and women walking on the path to great triumph.

Albert Schweitzer once said, “Success is not the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success. If you love what you’re doing, you will be successful.” If we have mentors, counselors, career days, we will be inspired to know what path to take. Do you want the path that leads to disappointment and resentment of yourself, or the path that leads to happiness and success?