The first days of school are finally here! As students and faculty, parents and administrators settle into a new routine, it can feel like a chaotic time.
That’s why we asked six of our High School Career Coaches for their best back-to-school advice on how to stay organized, confident, and prepared this year.
Antione Curtis, Career Coach at Westview High School
“Some advice I would have for parents supporting their Scholars is being their cheerleader. It’s a fast turnaround in our program, coming from their junior year to their senior year, and things change real quickly. So just having the support and encouraging them throughout their journey is really important for them.”
Jenni Gutierrez, Career Coach at Omaha South High School
“For the Scholars, I would say to get out of their comfort zone this upcoming school year. It’s easy to do things that you know or are comfortable with, but when you put yourself in those positions, you grow. So my advice for students would be to get out of their comfort zone.”
Beth Leach, Career Coach at Westside High School
“I think the best thing for back-to-school is just the right mindset — students, teachers, parents, everybody just committing to a good routine as they head back to school. It’s not scrolling until 11 or 12 at night; it’s getting that rest. I think that can be best for students to prepare.
We’ve got to really lock in, as they say, and make sure we’re making good decisions with our time and energy.”
Marcus Manley, Career Coach at Millard North High School
“The first piece of advice I would give parents and students is: Yes, it’s towards your junior or senior year, but it’s not the end of the world. It feels like they have to have their stuff together, that they have to know what they’re going to do and how they’re going to pay for it. We’re here to help with those things and teach you how to look for support systems.
So just know that nothing is the end of the world. If they don’t get a scholarship they’re applying for, there are other ways to pay for college. If they don’t get the internship they want, there are other ways to get into the field they’re interested in. The world does not end; it continues.”
Lauren McGlohn, Career Coach at Papillion La Vista High School
“The first week of school is mayhem. Everybody’s getting back to a schedule and it is crazy — but it’s a good crazy because they’re getting back to their routine. And at school, everybody’s in the same boat.
One piece of advice I always give students when they are preparing to go back to school is to have an open mind. When you have an open mind, you are able to absorb information faster, it stays longer, and you meet people that you might not have met before.”
Regina Rains, Career Coach at Bellevue East High School
“For back-to-school, my tip is reminders on your phone — use that reminder and alarm, set it to go off. I don’t know about everyone, but you can set a reminder to go off when you get home based on location or time to help you remember everything. It’s right in your hands, so you’re not going to lose it. Set the reminders on your phone — that’s my protip.”
