As early as 9th grade, SPA holds meetings and begins talking to students and parents about preparing for college. By the start of students’ second semester in 10th grade, College Counseling has sent multiple emails and assigned each student a college counselor. After 10th grade, the college counseling office becomes a place students often reach out to for help and advice on college choices and applications. But much of the work and effort that the College Counselling Office does is often underrated and unappreciated, especially with younger students. It’s hard to recognize college counselors’ good intentions and care for students when they themselves haven’t even thought that far. It’s also extremely important for students to start appreciating the College Counseling Office and realizing the privileges that are handed straight to them. 

Given that SPA is a considerably smaller community, students are lucky to build stronger relationships with their college counselors starting in 10th grade. The close bond between college advisor and advisee at an earlier stage is also a huge pro to a successful college planning. Knowing each student personally, the advisors can help them with choosing a desirable and fit college as well as encouragement with academics and extracurriculars. 

But what if college isn’t the right path for some people? Attending an academically rigorous school, the environment that surrounds students can naturally lead many into believing that college is the next step after graduating from high school. Being raised with constant reminders and comparisons of grades and accomplishments, examples of upper classmates and many surrounding peers all have big future goals and getting into high ranked colleges, all put unnecessary stress and pressure onto students. Luckily, the teachers and college counselors here understand that college isn’t the only path to success and happiness. Besides finding the college that’s best fit for students, many adult figures also inform and encourage gap years between high school and college, as well as other schooling options that could be fit for them. 

It’s important to recognize that the help being received is a privilege. A privilege that not everyone can enjoy. A privilege that puts students in a better position and gives them an advantage compared to others. Although unfair that not everyone can enjoy this luxury, its something that should be used to the fullest. Because life isn’t fair and sometimes “selfishness” is what’s needed to get through to the end of the day with the best results.