Transitioning to College

With the end of the school year fast approaching, it is impossible to consider transitions without remembering those graduating from high school and approaching the next phase of their lives. Each of the youth below is a member of a different congregation in our diocese. They are off to college this fall and are ready to share how they feel about their upcoming adventure. Enjoy!

“My name is Dan Schott, and I’m from St. Peter’s, Del Mar. I am graduating from La Jolla Country Day School this June and will be attending Texas Christian University in the fall. I feel excited about my college years ahead of me. There have been many factors that have helped me develop into who I am today. First, my church has had a significant role in my life through providing me a space that is grounding and centering. Second, my high school has been excellent in preparing me mentally, experientially and academically for college. Finally, my high school lacrosse team has taught me many lessons, just like my church, and these experiences have brought me to where I am today. I wouldn’t have it any other way and am ecstatic for what lies ahead of me.”

“Hello! My name is Megan Oakes, and I’m from St. Bartholomew’s, Poway! I am graduating from Classical Academy High School, and I am going to Seattle University, and participating in their honors program, with a major in public affairs for nonprofit management, and a minor in theology. I am incredibly excited to go off to college! Seattle is an ideal location, because I love the rain, and the campus is super accepting and diverse as well as offering a ton of opportunities for service work. My time on cross country as a senior leader, as well as helping with church events has helped prepare me to be independent in college and feel confident leaving. I am a little nervous about leaving my family and my church, but I think that having their support over the years to help me grow has well prepared me for college.”

“My name is Amber Ray. I go to Christ Church, Coronado and I currently attend The Bishop’s School in La Jolla. I am involved in choir both at school and at church. I take modern/jazz dance class at school (for which I recently choreographed a piece for the first time), and I play the violin. I am also involved in my school’s tutoring program where I tutor younger students in Spanish, and I help our choir director lead choir club. Last year I took a trip to NYC with my high school choir and fell in love with the city, so I am incredibly excited to spend the next four years there at Fordham University (Lincoln Center Campus) starting this fall. My major is currently undecided, but I am thinking of something in economics, psychology or law. I know that whatever my major, I want to continue my involvement with music and the performing arts. My high school is a college preparatory school so I feel that the education I have had plus the incredible support from my family has helped me prepare as much as I can for my transition to the opposite side of the country.”

May blessings, joy, and an ever-growing faith follow Dan, Megan, Amber and all of the seniors graduating from high school this year as they head into the next chapter of their lives. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” – Jeremiah 29:11. +