By Notes From The Hallway
Ellen Stuart
May 02, 2008 06:15 am The hallways of Londonderry High School have for weeks been roiling with plans. College decisions are being finalized and those fat, non-refundable checks mailed off; prom dresses are being bought, graduation parties being planned, summer jobs being sought. There are some big (and not so big) decisions being made every day, not to mention the large sums of money that are being slung around. So, for any of my classmates who are still deciding, I thought I'd bring you some advice from the experts.
1. I'm accepted — now what? The College Board — the folks who brought us the SAT — have this to say about making that last big choice: Compare your aid packages and think seriously about how much debt you'll have when you graduate. Is the school worth the price tag, or could you be just as happy elsewhere? And speaking of happiness, take a step back before you mail that check. Are you making your decision based on you and your interests, or are your parents and family weighing in a little too heavily? They might be older and have some definitely valuable input, but you're the one who'll be spending four years with your choice.
2. I still need a dress! Seventeen magazine, arbiter of all things chiffon and sequined, suggests thinking outside the box when searching for the perfect dress, especially last minute — try vintage stores, bridal stores, and even — bear with me — the closets of your friends, cousins or big sister. It's a blast to get all dolled up, but before you drop $600 on a dress, remember that you are never going to wear a princess-cut floor length magenta-with-sequin-accents gown again, no matter what you may tell yourself. Another helpful tip is to remember to bring along high heels (and any necessary undergarments) when you shop for a dress.
3. Get to work! Monster.com had all the expected tips for all of us prospective grocery baggers and burger-flippers. Create a polished résumé, no matter what position you are applying for, and don't forget to let your references know that you provided their name to your prospective employer. It's almost a cliché to mention it, but dress nicely when going to apply for a job. Presenting yourself with care shows that you're conscientious and neat, both good qualities in an employee. (No flip-flops, short shorts, dingy sneakers, baseball caps etc.) When it's possible, apply places where you have at least a passing interest in the business. You'll feel more engaged in your work. A summer job is going to help pay for college (and the summer's predicted $4 /gallon gas), give you some experience, and if you're lucky be pleasant enough, but let's face it: it's work. Welcome to the rat race.
4. We made it! Celebrating with friends is great, but after graduation make sure to take time out to celebrate with family, too. LifeTips.com suggests providing a guest book or small notes with which your family members can offer congratulations — which is especially great if you have a big family. (And don't forget thank-you notes when it's all over.) Grab some cousins, aunts and uncles (maybe Grandma, too) and break out the volleyball net, the water balloons and the Wiffle ball set, and have fun — we made it! nnn Ellen Stuart is a senior at Londonderry High School and a columnist and intern at the Derry News.
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