Hey everyone, I am Liam. Now that you have refined your goals for your first postsecondary year, it is time to build the roadmap. Knowing where you want to go is the start, but developing a plan with specific steps and strategies is how you actually get there. Today, we are going to look at how to navigate the transition from high school to your next big adventure.I am Maya. Every student, regardless of their path, needs to identify the skills required for this transition. Think about your habits of mind. Are you practicing perseverance and resilience? These are the qualities that help you keep going when a scholarship application is denied or a job interview does not go as planned. You also need strong strategies for time management. In your first year out, you will be responsible for your own schedule. How will you balance your work or study requirements with your personal life? Consulting with others, like teachers or family members, is a key strategy for making sure you stay on track.I am Chloe. Your roadmap needs to include specific action items. If your goal is university or college, have you attended any fairs or visited the campuses? Researching the availability of scholarships is a vital step that can save you thousands of dollars. If you are heading into the workplace, start researching job availability and workplace requirements right now. For those looking at community living, explore the different options and resources in your area. Identifying these steps early means you will not be rushing when the deadlines approach. What is one specific thing you can research this afternoon?And I am Noah. Let us look at more specific requirements. If you are interested in the skilled trades, you must research the apprenticeship and qualification processes. This is very different from a standard school application. You might need to find a sponsor or a specific mentor in the industry. For any path, you should learn about admission deadlines and start asking for recommendations from teachers or former employers. A great recommendation can be the difference between getting in and being left behind. Also, do not underestimate the power of finding a mentor. Someone who has already walked the path you are on can provide the best strategies for success.We also have to prepare for challenges. What are the potential obstacles in your plan? Maybe it is a lack of transportation, financial stress, or a difficult application process. For every challenge, you need a strategy. If transportation is a hurdle, your strategy could be researching public transit or carpooling. If finance is a hurdle, your strategy is applying for every bursary and scholarship you qualify for. By addressing these challenges now, you are turning them from “roadblocks” into “stepping stones.” You are building resilience by being prepared for the bumps in the road.So, how do you start your roadmap today? First, identify the resources you need to make the transition. This could be a website, a person, or a specific document. Second, review your habits of mind. Are you being organized? Are you being persistent? Third, set your deadlines. Write them in a calendar where you will see them every day. These small, consistent steps are what build a successful first year. You have the ability to manage this transition, and your plan is the tool that makes it happen.In summary, your roadmap should be detailed and proactive. Research scholarships, visit your future workplace or campus, and ask for help when you need it. Use the strategies of time management and consulting with others to keep your plan moving forward. Remember, a plan is not set in stone; it can grow and change as you learn more. The most important thing is that you have identified the steps and are ready to take action. Your future self will thank you for the work you are doing today.Think about your top postsecondary goal. What is the very next step you need to take? Is it an email? A phone call? Or a visit to a website? Whatever it is, do it today. And ask yourself: Who is one person I can consult with to make my plan even better? By involving your community and using your strategies, you are making your first year plan unstoppable. We are excited to see you take these steps and turn your aspirations into reality. We will see you in the next video where we learn how to pitch your strengths to the world.
