With the 2024-2025 school year coming to a close, everyone is starting to think about the next chapter— especially seniors. For many, that means starting college. In fact, as of 2023, over 60% of high school graduates enrolled in a university. However, college is never a one-size-fits-all journey. Decisions about where to go— and why— are unique to each student, making them.
Senior Aaron Shirley always knew he wanted to go to a smaller college. So, when he discovered Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, he was automatically intrigued.
“I was looking at schools, and it popped up. I was like, ‘Oh, this looks really interesting.’ I told my parents, and we set up a visit date. When we went, I just fell in love immediately— it seemed like a really good environment to be in with lots of cool people,” Shirley said.
Shirley will be majoring in Theatre Performance and is considering a minor in Theatre Education. His passion for theatre was sparked by his involvement in the program at Olathe West. Not only did he discover a love for the stage, but he also gained confidence, communication skills, and a stronger sense of identity—tools he knows will serve him well in college and beyond.
“Early on in my time at West, I was always trying to figure out where I fit in here and one thing that theatre has helped me come to realize is that you can be yourself and that is a very important factor in life,” Shirley said.
While college is often seen as the typical path for after graduation, it is becoming more common For students to choose different, less traditional routes, for example, joining the armed forces.
Senior Josue Ramirez is one of six Olathe West students enlisting in the military after graduation.
Ramirez didn’t always plan to join the Army, but the idea had been in the back of his mind since freshman year, when he joined the Public Safety 21st Century Academy. His experience in the program provided him— and dozens of others—with hands-on training in defense tactics, combat strategies, and other skills he believes will push him a step ahead in the military.
Beyond the hands-on skills, he was also able to become part of a community that gave him a taste of what military culture might feel like.
“The sense of camaraderie and brotherhood, I would say, is close to what you’d find in the military,” Ramirez said.
A similar sense of personal connection is guiding senior Luis Contreras toward his future. He plans to join the family’s construction business and eventually take over from his father. His time at Olathe West helped him develop valuable skills for the job.
“Part of the job would be marketing, so classes have definitely helped, and business classes for when I am running the business. I would also say English classes have helped literacy and writing-wise, for writing estimates and invoices and things like that. School just keeps you sharp,” Contreras said.
These students show just a few of the options students in Olathe, and nationwide, have after high school. The truth is, there is no set path for success— it is whatever is needed for each unique person.
