Grace loves astronomy.
As a high school senior photographer, there’s one question I never ask during a photoshoot.
Nick likes to follow the stock market.
“What are you going to do after high school?”
By the time they are in front of my lens, they’ve been asked The Question a hundred times by well-meaning family members, neighbors, and teachers.
For some, the answer is clear. For others, it triggers stress and self-doubt. In a world that values certainty and direction, there is an underlying expectation that a 17-year old should know exactly what their next steps are.
Bella is passionate about art.
But in reality, not every senior has it all figured out yet.
Many are still exploring their interests and considering different paths. The pressure to know exactly where they’re headed can feel overwhelming. And comparing their journey to their peers who have a concrete plan makes it worse.
So can we all agree not to ask The Question? Instead, I ask:
“What are you passionate about?”
Liam trains service dogs.
This typically leads to an interesting discussion on topics from politics to pickleball. I love to learn about what gets them excited.
When The Question does come up— and it will— there are ways for them to handle it with more confidence and less anxiety.
Anna Nelson is a college prep coach who helps teens explore options and figure out what they will do after high school. She helps teens understand their strengths and consider careers and industries that would be a good fit.
“When my clients start researching colleges it becomes about getting the best education in their particular strengths set, not randomly guessing at what they should do,” Anna explained.
“I tell teens: You are a unique individual. There is literally no one like you — which means it’s up to you to understand what you are uniquely gifted at,” she added.
Anna suggests that teens volunteer at places that seem interesting to them or go on informational interviews with adults who are doing what they might want to do. (I personally love to meet with young people who are interested in photography!)
“Life can be an intentional experiment,” Anna said. “With each thing that they try, they’re getting closer to knowing what they want to focus on.”
Emmerson loves working with children.
Anna urges parents to give their teen permission to be who they are. “Be a person they can vent to about the pressures facing them, rather than putting additional pressure on them.” To learn more about Anna’s college prep services, visit https://www.annaynelson.com/.
Senior year is a time of excitement, exploration and embarking on adulthood. Let’s help teens enjoy this time and embrace it with confidence, knowing they don’t have to have all the answers.
And we don’t have to ask The Question.