by Grace Schlimpert
As seniors come and go, we all tend to wonder where they are and what they’re doing. Here are what the some seniors of 2016, 2017, and 2018 are now doing.
Dan Flaherty, class of 2018, was a direct admit to the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington. He is double majoring in finance and accounting, and is a member of the Financial Services Club and Real Estate Club. Flaherty is also the president of Green Campus and Campus Cares.
“The transition mostly lies in freedom and lifestyle. You don’t have to go to class, you can eat whatever you want, there are very few rules, and there are always things to do so you need to keep yourself accountable,” said Flaherty.
To prepare for the future, Flaherty suggests going to every school event, doing your homework, and doing your best in everything you apply yourself to.
“At the end of the day you prepare yourself for everything to follow,” added Flaherty.
Jacob Malik, class of 2017, recently graduated a two-year program at Lincoln College of Technology in Indianapolis. Malik majored in automotive technology and graduated with an Associates Degree.
“The transition wasn’t much at all. After high school it was either the military or college, and I wasn’t able to join the military so I decided to go to school for something I love and I don't regret it one bit,” Malik said.
Although high school prepares for the future, Malik included that the things teachers warn you about can be blown out of proportion, so it’s nothing to stress about.
Sam Schlimpert, class of 2018, recently graduated from basic training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. During his eleven week training, Schlimpert learned how to apply first aid in combat, how to shoot, move, and communicate tactically, and how to march.
Schlimpert also qualified as an expert marksman and won the battalion heavyweight championship for pugil stick combatives.
Schlimpert is currently going through the academic portion of training at Ft. Bragg in North Carolina to become a Psychological Operations Specialist.
In the fall, Schlimpert will be majoring in Political Science at Indiana University Bloomington so when he commissions in the military as an officer, he will have a strong grasp of leadership and the inner workings of political and military systems.
“The academics at New Prairie prepared me to study for tests and do well on tests. No more, no less. What prepared me for life and the military was adversity,” Schlimpert said. “And, luckily for me, New Prairie was wrought with people and challenges who provided a vast amount of adversity.”
Schlimpert said the transition from high school to Basic Training was a “steep learning curve,” although he adapted quickly given his personality. Many people had difficulty with the physical and mental requirements, but the hardest part for some people to grasp was discipline.
“I conquered track and football, learned to dominate people who challenged me, and learned my true character,” Schlimpert started. “Using the confidence from my successes and from the battles I had overcome, I marched straight through Basic with no problems.”
Jocelyn Hayes, class of 2018, is currently majoring in nursing at Purdue University Northwest. Hayes is currently taking Psychology 120, chemistry, English, and speech.
“All of my classes are really cool and my advisors are so dope. It’s nothing like high school and I love it, but I do miss high school,” Hayes said.
Hayes said the transition from high school to college was difficult since they use a different learning base than New Prairie, although it’s nothing she can’t handle.
Hayley Shankland, class of 2016, has not yet attended college and is unaware what her intentions are later in life. Although her career plans are in food service and hospitality, Shankland enjoys working with people and creating in the kitchen.
“High school to the ‘real world’ has been a small mountain that I have yet to conquer,” Shankland said.
Shankland said New Prairie was awesome in the social aspect and classes were great, although she wishes there had been a class with real world situations like doing taxes or buying a house.
Taylor Calkins, class of 2018, is majoring in biotechnology at Indiana University Bloomington and is minoring in music.
“The transition for me was super easy. Being away from home and being surrounded by new people and opportunities is incredibly refreshing and I’ve never been happier. I truly feel like Bloomington is home to me now,” Calkins said.
Calkins said New Prairie did prepare her for college, although she doesn’t think she’s experienced the “adult” or “life” part of being out of high school.
“All of my AP classes were infinitely more helpful than I expected them to be and all of my teachers did an exceptional job preparing me for what was to come, so pay attention to them. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice,” Calkins added.
Emily Rowe, class of 2016, attended Ivy Tech for two semesters but decided a full time job was a better option for her. Rowe is currently enrolled in the CDM Correspondence course at University of North Dakota.
Rowe is an assistant manager in a healthcare food service department and plans to stay there while getting a degree in dietetics. Rowe’s goal is to become a registered dietitian.
“I think going through high school at New Prairie helped prepare me more for the social situations I would be forced into in life,” Rowe said. “We had econ, which [kind of ] helped me understand loans and credit and stuff, but I’d be lying if I said I knew how to do my taxes.”
Rowe admitted that her transition from high school or college was rough and she wasn’t prepared for the workload, expectations, and lengthy class times.
“Teachers aren’t lying when they say college can be a slap in the face,” Rowe added.
Dani Woodcox, class of 2017, is currently attending Indiana University Bloomington and is double majoring in neuroscience and psychology.
“The transition was a little more difficult than I had expected. Academically, I hadn’t imagined it would be so intensive,” Woodcox said. “In high school I never had to focus on any academics but immediately in college it became the busiest part of my life.”
Woodcox also added that the move from home was less difficult than she expected, and being part of the Marching Hundred made it easy for her. Woodcox said joining the group made her feel like she belonged.
“New Prairie prepared me as well as any high school could have, but I don’t believe anything can truly prepare you for life. It’s something you just have to experience and navigate through your own trial and error,” Woodcox stated.
Nick Wilson, class of 2018, is currently majoring in business administration at Ball State University. For Wilson, the transition from high school to college was simple. Wilson stated that since everyone was going through the same thing, he didn’t feel a reason to stress about it.
Wilson stated that New Prairie prepared him well for life and shaped him into a solid young man. He still cannot believe the opportunities provided to him.
“My advice for everyone in high school is to work hard but never forget to have fun. It’s important to keep a balance so that way you aren’t too overwhelmed and are able to keep the same motivation,” Wilson stated. “Be sure to take everything in, because you won’t ever be able to get those times back.”