MEDFORD, Ore. -- Tuesday, May 1st is National College Decision Day. South Medford High School held its own 'Decision Day,’ where seniors announced what they're doing after graduation. Some are choosing college, some--the military, and others, straight to work. Brian Josephson’s path says the University of Oregon.
"I chose college because I want to be an attorney so before law school, you go to your undergrad. It's the next logical step in that path," Josephson added.
56 percent of South Medford's 2016 graduating class went on to college right after high school. The 2017 and 2018 stats aren't published yet. Although college is Brian’s next step after graduation, he knows it isn't for everyone in his class.
"I was really big into career and technically education here at South Medford High School giving the opportunity to show off whatever path you're going to. Whether that is college or into the trades or into the military, I think that's an important step because we need more than just doctors and attorneys. We need plumbers. We need military members as well,” Josephson said.
Heather Louise is headed straight to work when June rolls around. Right now, she's already working in retail and hopes that job helps her continue her passion, fashion design.
"For me life is about doing something that you enjoy. So just supporting yourself and just getting by doing the careers people want you to do just because it makes more money doesn't seem appealing to me at all. I really enjoy designing and creating things that are my own and sharing that with other people so that's why I want to do that because I really enjoy it," Louise added.
Oliviah Yaskovic is following in her family’s footsteps. She says she’s going to join the Air Force.
"When I was younger I went on a helicopter ride and a jet ride with my grandpa when I was younger and it was like the most amazing thing and I was like 'ha, mom's down there' so it was so cool to me," Yaskovic said.
Just about everyone on her dad's side of the family can say they're a veteran, mostly serving in the navy. Thanks to her grandpa and her fear of water, she says she belongs in the sky.
"My memories are sitting in his study and him having all these plane models and he was teaching me about all the planes and everything and all of his antiques and everything and it just always got my attention," Yaskovic added.
Oliviah will be just one of the 500,000 young adults in the military. She's nothing short of proud to serve her country.
"I think to myself, I've thought to myself a few times 'is this for me?' or 'am i doing this for my family to make them proud' and it's definitely for me mostly for me because it's just a passion that I have," Yaskovic said proudly.
There are about 400 graduating seniors at South Medford High School. Teachers and staff said any path is the right path.
