To the High School Senior Who Feels Lost Right Now

Graduation is around the corner, and while it might seem like everyone else is celebrating, you may be feeling something entirely different.

Maybe the college admissions process didn’t go the way you hoped.

Or maybe it did, and now you're second-guessing your decision.

Maybe you wish you'd followed your heart and chosen trade school.

Or maybe you’re just overwhelmed, wondering what comes next and whether you're ready.

If that's you, I want you to hear this: You’re not behind.

And you’re definitely not alone.

Despite a world pressuring you to have it all figured out by 18, most don’t. You’re expected to choose the right school, the right major, the right “passion projects,” and the right career path. But life doesn’t unfold in perfect, linear steps.

And for the record, the things you’re required to do to get into college these days are INSANE. And I’m sorry. You’ve been robbed of the fun and social development you should have enjoyed in high school. Instead, you’ve been forced to think of the “next step” before taking a single step onto your high school's campus.

When I started college, I chose to be a chemistry major. I didn’t like chemistry. But my dad liked the idea, and I wanted him to be proud. But deep down, I always knew I wanted to teach. It just took me a while to say that out loud and even longer to make it a reality. After college, I went to law school, practiced for a while, and then finally gave myself permission to pursue what I’d known all along: I wanted to be a teacher.

I spent over 15 years teaching college students. I loved it. But even after I found what I thought was my calling, I changed direction again.

Today, I lead a foundation. I didn’t get here because I had a perfect résumé or years of nonprofit experience. In fact, I didn't have any! I got here because of a relationship. My dear friend Chris Leach, my colleague at CU, believed in me. We had spent years talking about education, shared values, work, purpose, and what really matters in life. When this opportunity came along, Chris could vouch for who I was, not just what I had done. That mattered far more than anything that was (or wasn't) on my résumé.

I would venture to say that many of my former students have learned similar lessons after graduation.

And you know what I’ve learned after watching thousands of these former students head into the world?

Their GPAs and majors didn’t define their futures.

What mattered most?

• Their attitude

• Their willingness to learn

• The way they treat people

• The relationships they build

• And their gratitude for the opportunities they’ve been given

All those things are within your control, regardless of where you go next. Whether you choose trade school, a community college, a four-year university, or head straight into the workforce, your path is your own.

Don’t worry if it doesn’t look like everyone else’s.

I was told I would never get hired at a top law firm if I didn’t do Law Review. Well, I was, and I didn’t. Just because one path creates a higher probability of accomplishing something doesn’t mean other paths can’t get you there.

You’ll likely change your mind a few times.

You’ll grow in ways you can’t yet imagine.

You’ll find out what you’re good at and what lights you up.

And sometimes, you’ll learn just as much from the hard parts as the easy ones. I hated chemistry. I’m glad I didn’t spend my entire career focused on it.

Some of the happiest, most fulfilled people I know are the ones who took risks even when it meant changing direction or letting someone down. They followed their gut. They gave themselves permission to shift course. They chose meaning over fear. Bill Reynolds started his career working with his dad and was miserable. He risked letting down his dad to go out on his own. And the results speak for themselves.

So, if you’re scared, unsure, or feeling lost, take a breath. You are not supposed to have it all figured out.

Ignore the chatter, the braggers, and the Instagram posters.

Be kind.

Stay curious.

Learn something new.

Say thank you.

Ask for help.

And don’t be afraid to change your mind.

Your worth isn’t defined by a portal notification, the name on your sweatshirt, or by comparing yourself to others. Success is rarely a straight line. And life, yours, is just beginning.

You’re going to be just fine.

With hope for your journey,

Liz Stapp

Former College Professor | Executive Director, WW Reynolds Foundation