Advice from Graduates
A Little Advice Given by Callie
By Josie Painter
For those in high school–in a few years or a few months–our time here will come to an end. We will step out into the unknown with a haphazard plan, no money, and try to figure things out as we go. Thankfully, there are many who have gone before us to help show us the way.
Callie Arnold, a 2022 graduate, offers a bit of advice for all of us who are a little bit lost, and also the comfort of knowing that we do not need to have everything figured out.
“I personally don’t think anyone has it all figured out. Just learn from others who go through similar experiences and look towards the Lord and let Him guide your steps always,” Callie says.
Callie headed to college at Iowa Western Community College right after high school, where she took pre-nursing courses, ran cross country, wrestled, and did track and field. She described this time as a “learning experience” as she adapted to dorm life, new people, and managing schedules.
“I was excited to be out of high school and explore and become my own person. It's always been fairly easy to go because you can always come back,” she stated when discussing the difficulty of leaving for college.
Right before classes began that next year, she made a last minute decision to go to the University of Nebraska at Omaha. It was here where she learned a lot about herself and the direction of her life. Callie wanted to stay in Omaha for nursing school, but decided to go back to Norfolk, where she attended Northeast to finish her degree.
Callie placed emphasis on who we choose to surround ourselves with and to find the people who–no matter whether it is uncomfortable or inconvenient–will speak into your life. She quotes pastor Chris Winegar of Life Point church who says, “Show me who your friends are, and I’ll show you what your future is.”
Right now, Callie is a registered nurse working at Faith Health in the intensive care unit and progressive care unit. She occasionally runs half marathons and other races, volunteers as a Sunday school teacher at Life Point church, and just got engaged.
The last piece of advice Callie gives is to remember that “It’s okay to make mistakes, they’re just learning curves that will help in the future.” And no matter what stage of life you are in, you can always control your effort and attitude.
Looking Back: Graduate Shares Lessons and Advice for Today’s Student
By Brynn Schwartz
High school goes by in the blink of an eye. Abbey (Sedlacek) Schnoor, a 2019 Pierce graduate and now a parent, has learned a lot since her own high school years and has some advice for students at different stages of their lives.
For incoming high school students, Schnoor encourages students to keep an open mind when making friends and choosing activities.
“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there,” Schnoor said.
Schnoor says freshman year is a good time to try different activities that interest you, even if they may scare you to do for the first time. Getting involved can help students meet new people and discover things they enjoy.
For graduating seniors, Schnoor’s biggest advice is to enjoy their last year while also preparing for life after high school.
“I would say the typical, 'Soak it all in,' but also understand the feelings of so much excitement for the future and your next chapter,” Schnoor said.
She recommends that seniors take scholarships seriously. According to Schnoor, students should make filling out scholarship applications a priority because the work will pay off after graduation.
Another piece of advice she gives is to know that everyone’s future looks different.
“Don’t be afraid if your future after high school looks different than your friends,” Schnoor said.
“There will always be a purpose for your path”.
Since graduating high school, Schnoor has learned many lessons that she could not have learned in high school. Becoming a parent shows her how quickly life can change and how important it is to make the most of time.
“I'm also realizing just how fast time really goes,” Schnoor said. “There is a change in my daughter every single day, and it’s truly amazing!”
Being a parent has also changed the way Schnoor manages her time. Although she was involved in several activities during high school, she said she has never been more efficient with her time than she is now.
Schnoor’s advice is to make the most of each stage while remembering that everyone’s path after high school will always look different.
