The Truth about the “Right” Path: A Message to the class of 2026

    As graduation day creeps closer, it’s no surprise that you may be feeling the weight of the future pressing down. With questions like “Where are you going to college?” or “What’s next for you?” being asked constantly by teachers, relatives, and even peers, it’s easy to feel like you should already have your whole life mapped out. Whether you're considering college, the military, a trade, or jumping straight into the workforce, the pressure to choose the “right” path can feel overwhelming.

    But here’s the truth: there is no single “right” path—only the one that feels right for you. Life is not a straight line, and success does not come from checking the same boxes everyone else does. 

    Some students thrive in college, others find passion and fulfillment in skilled trades, and many take time to explore different jobs or travel before settling into a long-term plan. What works for one person might not be right for another—and that’s not only okay, it’s normal.

It’s also important to remember that your worth isn’t defined by your next step after high school.

     You are not your major, your job title, or your paycheck. You are a whole person with talents, creativity, and potential that can’t always be measured by a traditional path. And just because you make one choice now doesn’t mean you’re locked in forever. Many successful adults changed their direction multiple times before finding a fit.

    So take a deep breath. Talk to people who’ve taken different routes. Try shadowing a professional, exploring internships, or just learning about different lifestyles online. The more perspectives you gather, the more confident you’ll become in your own decision—not because you’ve chosen what’s “expected,” but because you’ve chosen what feels meaningful to you.

    No matter what path you take after graduation, give yourself grace. You are still growing, and this season is about learning who you are as much as it is about where you’re going. 

Trust that the future isn’t a deadline—it’s a journey, and you’re allowed to take it one step at a time.

-Until the next Bright idea,

Jennifer