student pathways center
Sophomore edition
#4 | dec 2023
welcome to our
Monthly Newsletter
we're so glad you're here!
A Note From Us...
Career Exploration
Choosing a career is one of life’s big decisions. Will a future career be exciting and fulfilling? Will it pay enough to support a family? Will there be opportunities to grow? Deciding on a career to pursue is exciting. But because there are so many career paths, it can be hard to choose.
You can start exploring your options now!
- Think about your interests. Need help? Have your child try a career quiz at www.careerbridge.wa.gov or in Xello.
- Start to collect information about education requirements for different jobs. You can do this by looking up job openings and seeing what current employers are requiring in their job postings.
- Explore different ideas:
- Volunteer where you’re likely to meet someone who has one of the jobs you’re interested in.
- Look into a paid or unpaid internship.
- Job-shadow for a day.
- Conduct research at the library or online.
- Find a mentor who can give you perspective and advice.
- Talk to family members and friends who work in those careers or know others who do.
It’s okay to not know exactly what job you want to have after high school! You can continue exploring options even after you graduate. :)
If you ever have questions or need additional support, reach out to the Pathways Center.
Morgan Parker & Kris Walther
morgan.parker@vansd.org
kristina.walther@vansd.org
Sophomore Year Checklist
Student Checklist:
Review PSAT results with your family
Start thinking about ways to pay for college if you’re planning to attend
Focus on passing your classes 1st semester!
Family Checklist:
Review PSAT results together
Start thinking about ways to pay for college
Check in on your student’s grades and support them in doing the best they can!
Upcoming opportunities
Sophomore focus week
Feb. 5 - Feb. 8
The Pathways Center and Sophomore Class Counselor will spend this week with sophomores in their History classes to go over HSBP, transcripts, and junior year program options like Cascadia Tech and Running Start!
Cascadia technical academy field trip
Feb. 8
Are you interested in doing Cascadia Tech next year? We’ll go on a field trip during 5th period on Feb. 8th for you to tour 2 programs and decide if you want to apply!
river.vansd.org/student-pathways-center