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Grads prepare for recession, real world
This year, Loudoun County's 3,913 public high school graduates will walk off the stage and into the real world during the most difficult economic time in decades.
For some, the economic recession means choosing a more affordable, in-state college to attend. For others, it doesn't change their plans for after high school.
Tim Lucas, guidance director at Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn, said some graduates in the Class of 2009 are choosing a community college, like Northern Virginia Community College, instead of a four-year institution to help their families save.
He said the recession also has meant students are working harder than ever to earn scholarships or get accepted into schools where in-state tuition is offered to students with good grades and high SAT scores.
"I think a lot of parents have told kids, 'Let's be realistic. Here's what we can afford, so you're going to have to get busy with scholarships,'" Lucas said. "And our kids have done that. The scholarship total this year is the highest we've ever seen it, and I think it's because the kids have worked very hard."
Emma Arnold
"Right now the economy sucks, and that’s why I’m going to NOVA," said Emma Arnold, 18, a senior at Heritage High School in Leesburg. "Why pay thousands at a university to get the same education [I could get] for a lot less at NOVA? That way, I can get my general education classes done and focus on the classes I need for my major."
After NOVA, Emma said she plans to go to James Madison University, where she hopes to major in history and education.
Stephanie Gale
Stephanie Gale, an 18-year-old senior at Dominion High School said the economy has also impacted her college choice.
"I definitely think the economy is affecting a lot of students' decisions on colleges," she said. "My first choice was originally the College of Charleston [S.C.], but it's too difficult to pay for out-of-state tuition."
Instead, Stephanie has decided to go to Virginia Tech, where she will major in biology.
Trinity Edralin
Trinity Edralin, 17, who is also graduating from Dominion, made the same decision to stay in state. She will attend James Madison University.
"People are suffering, and job losses are higher than ever," she said. "I am admittedly worried about future price alterations, and as a result of that, I am working now to save myself from a future of recession."
Ryan Whaley
The economy did not play a role in Potomac Falls High School senior Ryan Whaley's post-graduation plans.
The 17-year-old plans to attend Bridgewater College to major in communications or interior design. Ryan also has a passion for music and plans to continue pursuing his dream of working as a drummer in a band.
Kelcey Farren
Kelcey Farren, 18, a senior at Loudoun Valley High School, plans to attend James Madison University, and she said she is somewhat worried about the economy.
"I know it has affected my financial situation with going away, because my older sister is also beginning to get her master's at Johns Hopkins," she said. "I know that it is really hard for my parents, but they will do whatever they have to in order to support us because they do not want us to miss out on any opportunities."
Kelcey hopes to become a teacher after college. She said she's looking forward to moving on, but will also miss high school.
"It's bittersweet. I cannot wait to move on and be more independent, but then again, I hate to think that these last few days are the last that I will share with my classmates," she said. "But I feel that I'm ready to move on, as intimidating as it may be."
Farsa Javar
Farsa Javar, 18, a Dominion High School senior who is also attending James Madison University next year, said he was afraid the economy would force him to start out at a two-year college, but it didn't since he is attending an in-state school.
The recession has, however, prompted him to want to do something to help.
"After college, I plan to work in a loss mitigation department in a bank," he said. "There, I will try to help many people out of loans that they can no longer pay and fight to keep lending fair in our nation. I want to do this because I see the greed that many bankers run on today, and it's not fair."
Alexandra DiLuca
Heritage High School senior Alexandra DiLuca, 17, plans to attend Radford University and get a medical degree.
"The economy has not really impacted my decision to go into the medical field," she said. "I have always wanted to help people, and it just so happens that with our economy as it is now, nursing seems to be a pretty good job."
Alexandra said high school has prepared her for the "real world."
For the past year, she said, her teachers have been especially helpful in helping her learn what to expect from college and learn to be an independent, responsible student.
Emily Thoet
Emily Thoet, a senior at Potomac Falls High School, will also stay in state and plans to earn a marketing degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.
The 17-year-old said, like many of her fellow students, she can't believe high school is coming to an end.
"It hasn't really hit me yet, even when I was handed my cap and gown," she said. "It's so surreal. I have a feeling it probably won't sink in until I'm walking up to the stage, but as soon as it does sink in, I know I will probably be alternating between laughing for joy and crying."
Contact the reporter at ecoe@timespapers.com
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