Speaking to Your Students About Life After High School
by Ceinna Bush
Preparing students for life after high school is one of the most critical roles of a counselor or college advisor. While academics, applications, and financial aid are essential components of a student's postsecondary journey, the most impactful conversations go beyond logistics. We have the unique opportunity to help students navigate their motivations, values, and long-term goals—ensuring they make informed choices that truly align with their futures. By fostering deeper discussions, we can empower students to approach life after high school with confidence and clarity. So let’s get into it!
Be Open and Transparent!
One of the most powerful tools in a counselor’s toolbox is authenticity. Students often see adults as people who have it all figured out, but sharing our own journeys—including our struggles—helps them realize that setbacks and uncertainties are a natural part of life.
For example, as students are receiving their college admission decisions around this time, it reminded me of when I shared with a student how I was rejected from what I thought was my dream school, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), during my senior year. At the time, I was devastated. But that rejection led me to San Diego State University, where I had an incredible experience that shaped me into the person I am today. Years later, I even went on to earn my Master’s degree in School Counseling from CSULB—something I never could have predicted at the time. I went on to explain how I now see that everything happens for a reason and how thankful I was for taking that temporary “L”. Sharing this story helped my student realize that setbacks aren’t the end of the road—they’re often redirections toward something even greater.
By being open about our own experiences, we help students build resilience and understand that their path may take unexpected turns, but that doesn’t mean they won’t end up exactly where they’re meant to be.
Help Students Find Their “WHY”
Rather than focusing solely on where students should go next, we should encourage them to reflect on why they are making certain decisions. Instead of simply asking, “What college do you want to go to?” or “What job do you want?” consider asking:
What excites you?
What kind of impact do you want to have on the world?
What type of lifestyle do you envision for yourself?
Helping students connect their education and career choices to their personal values and passions can lead to more fulfilling decisions. It’s not just about getting into college or securing a job—it’s about crafting a life that aligns with who they are and what they want.
Encourage Students to Think Beyond Financial Aid
While financial aid is a crucial factor in decision-making, it shouldn't be the only one. A student’s overall college experience—environment, support system, location, and personal preferences (AKA the other College Fit Considerations)—matters just as much.
I once worked with a student who was torn between attending Howard University in Washington, D.C., or staying closer to home in Los Angeles. She ultimately chose Howard because they provided the most financial aid, but after her first year, she missed home so much that she made it her goal to graduate early just so she could return (she’s graduating this semester, May 2025, and I am extremely proud of her). But in hindsight, she realized that if she had considered factors like location and emotional well-being, her experience might have been different.
As counselors, we can help students make well-rounded decisions by encouraging them to think beyond numbers. Questions like, “Can you see yourself living there for four years?” and “What kind of support system do you need to thrive?” can make all the difference.
💡Tip: Here’s the link to the Contigo Ed College Fit Microcourse if you need a refresher.
Create a Safe Space for Open Dialogue
Beyond financial considerations, students may also feel pressure from their families, friends, or societal expectations when making decisions about their future. It’s important that we create a judgment-free zone where students feel safe to express their fears, doubts, and aspirations.
Encourage students to:
Voice their concerns without fear of judgment
Consider multiple pathways (college, trade school, workforce, gap year)
Make decisions based on their own needs rather than external pressures
By fostering these conversations, we empower students to take ownership of their future in a way that feels right for them.
💡Tip: In the Transition & Summer Melt Microcourse, Contigo Ed has a couple of great resources to help with this (Final Decision Meeting; Letting Go Session).
Offer Real-World Perspectives
Many students struggle to see how their current education connects to the real world—I know I did in high school 😅. So bringing in guest speakers, connecting students with alumni, or arranging job shadowing opportunities can give them a firsthand look at different career paths. Beyond that, guiding students to seek mentorship and teaching them how to network early can open doors they may not have even known existed. Encouraging them to reach out to professionals in their field of interest, attend industry events, or conduct informational interviews can provide clarity and boost their confidence in their decisions. Additionally, hearing directly from someone who has already walked the path they’re considering can make all the difference. These experiences not only help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application but also make their goals feel more tangible and achievable.
Empowering Students for the Journey Ahead
As counselors and college advisors, we have the privilege of guiding students through one of the most pivotal transitions of their lives. By being open about our own journeys, helping students define their “WHY,” encouraging holistic decision-making, fostering safe conversations, and providing real-world insights, we can equip them with the tools to navigate life beyond high school successfully.
Let’s continue to inspire, challenge, and uplift the students we work with—because their futures are not just about where they go next, but about the lives they are building for themselves.
#LifeAfterHighSchool #StudentEmpowerment #CounselorTransparency
Related Resources
Webinar: Beyond the Bell
Microcourse: Transition & Summer Melt
Microcourse: Future Plans – if you work with younger students, consider the conversations you can begin having now to support their postsecondary journeys.
Ceinna Bush
My name is Ceinna Bush and I currently serve as a High School Transition & Success Counselor in Dallas, TX. I am originally from Los Angeles, CA and moved to Dallas last year. I have always enjoyed helping my community and I discovered my passion for working with high school students during college. I decided to become a college advisor and I graduated from San Diego State University with my Bachelor's in Communication, and earned my Masters in School Counseling from CSU Long Beach. This is now my 8th year supporting students as they navigate through high school & pursue their post secondary goals. I have also worked as the staff sponsor for a Black Student Union and mentored many students in Pretty Brown Girls, Good City Mentors & Delta GEMS. I genuinely love my job and I want my students to know that if they don’t have anyone else, I will always be there for them and will support them as much as I can.
