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The College Debate and How Watauga Students Explore Different Career Paths

Writer's picture: Mia LlibreMia Llibre



Watauga High School instills the principle ‘Service Above Self,’ inspiring students to carry this ideal into their lives after graduation. Photo Credits: Watauga Yearbook


Mia Llibre, Editor-in-Chief of The Powderhorn


The discussion of college and its role in career plans is ongoing, raising the question: “Is college necessary for success?” Watauga High School and Watauga Innovation Academy (WIA) offers numerous opportunities for students to explore alternate careers, with and without the need for higher education. From the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) to the Health Science Pathway, there are options available for a wide variety of interests. High school seniors weigh in on their experiences with these programs.


Since her freshman year, Karsyn Lee has taken classes on the WIA nursing pathway, and aims to achieve her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), as soon as she turns 18. After high school she plans to work at the Watauga Medical Center while completing her nursing degree at Appalachian State University. 


“I don't want to stop at being a nurse, which is great if you want to, but I wish to continue my education to medical school or PA (Physician’s Assistant) school,” said Lee.


In order to prepare for the CNA exam, Lee, along with other students in the Nursing Fundamentals course, is currently honing the health science knowledge that they have gained since the start of their freshman year. 


“All of first block we do lecture to prepare us for the written portion, and then all of second block we're doing hands-on, actively doing stuff to each other and to the mannequins in the lab to prepare for the skills part of the test,” said Lee.


While Lee seeks to pursue a college degree, many students enrolled in WIA have chosen to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.


WIA offers students the opportunity to obtain a cosmetology certificate, which also serves as an apprenticeship license, allowing them to start work at an established salon after completing 1,500 hours. Kara Schneider, senior, has been in the cosmetology program since her sophomore year, the first year students are eligible to participate.


“I've always loved hair and makeup,” said Schneider. “And I never realized that I could do something like that in high school. Starting at my sophomore year, I was like, ‘You know what, I really enjoy this,’ and being able to have clients come in has been a game changer.


Schneider has decided to work in Boone to gain sufficient experience to complete her apprenticeship and become a licensed cosmetologist. In place of cosmetology school, her priority is to attract clientele and establish herself in the area. This makes a four year college less attractive for her career goals.


“You're in a new [college] environment. You have new schedules. And you might not have time for a job,” said Schneider. “As for me, I'm going to start off full-time, 40 hours a week, maybe more than that. I’ll be making a lot more money, and just getting a head start on that.”


The cosmetology program closely resembles the actual workplace setting, where students must clock in, put on uniforms, and perform haircuts, facials, and nail services. The students offer services during flex time, and every other Tuesday. They also have clinics after school, where they can also clock in and add hours to their schedule. At the end of the semester, students will take the state boards in order to earn their certification.


The classes offered at Watauga have been especially helpful for Schneider, assuring her that she wants to pursue a career as a hairdresser, with hopes of one day starting up her own salon. 


Patrick Mellon, senior, has already enlisted in the military and will officially join after receiving his high school diploma and turning 18. 


“I went down to the recruiting office, told them I was interested, signed a bunch of paperwork, and they sent me to a medical screening test site called MEPS," said Mellon. “Then they qualified me to serve, and I swore in.”


Mellon’s early involvement in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) has driven him to explore new possibilities. His role as a private, the lowest rank, to the company executive officer (XO), second in command, has given him valuable insights into leadership, personal growth, and camaraderie.


“Both my parents went to college so they were kind of surprised,” said Mellon. “And eventually my mom was like, ‘not everybody needs to go to college, not everybody needs to sit in a classroom.’ Most of my teachers and ROTC instructors have been supportive.”


As of now, Mellon is focused on enjoying the rest of his senior year, though he also looks forward to the prospect of joining the Marines and being stationed in different countries.


“Success is honoring God in what you do and being happy and doing what's right,” explains Mellon. “Not only for yourself but for your family. And I had a really good class. I feel like it's my responsibility to give back to the cadets and the program.”

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