Going to a four-year school, going straight to work and going to community college or trade school are just some of the options available for seniors’ plans after high school. At Yutan High School, there are eight seniors in the 2026 class who are planning on attending a community college or a trade school. One of these students is senior Taylar Shull, who is planning to attend Metropolitan Community College because of the many benefits, one of which is the cost.
“A benefit with community college is the money that you save. It’s about a third of the cost of a university,” Shull said.
Another student who has noticed similar benefits is senior Atlanta Jacobsen, who also plans to attend Metropolitan Community College.
“I chose community college because I had an opportunity to explore classes and figure out exactly what I want to be,” Jacobsen said. “The low cost was a bonus for me as well, seeing as I’m trying to stay away from student debt.”
Senior Mason Smith, who plans on going to trade school through the Electrical Union apprenticeship in Nebraska, made his decision because it seemed like a “practical way to start a solid career.”
“You get to work while you learn, gain real-world skills and make connections in the industry,” Smith said. “Plus, it gets you into a career faster than a four-year college.”
Although the seniors noticed many positive aspects of community college, they have thought of some potential downsides.
“[Trade school] is focused on one career, so changing paths later can be harder,” Smith said. “Some people might value a 4-year degree more, but electricians are in high demand, so jobs are easier to get.”
Some of these disadvantages seem universal for the seniors, as they agree on them.
“For a community college, a disadvantage is the lack of independence because in my case, I’m not leaving home,” Shull said.
The same feeling is true for Jacobsen, who will also be living at home.
“The disadvantages are definitely not being in a dorm because I feel like that’s where a lot of people make strong connections,” Jacobsen said. “But besides that, I’m looking forward to going to Metro.”
For these seniors, community college and trade school aren’t the end of the road, but a part of the journey. Both Shull and Jacobsen plan to continue on to four-year colleges after their time at Metro.
“Right now, I see my future as taking the rest of my Gen Ed’s at Metro, then applying at UNMC to join their sonography program,” Jacobsen said.
“I plan to major in nursing and then continuing to become a labor and delivery nurse,” Shull said.
Because Smith is attending a trade school, his next step is his career.
“I’ll become a certified journeyman electrician, working on installing and maintaining electrical systems,” Smith said.
Regardless of where they are headed afterward, these seniors are excited to get their plans in motion and experience what the next part of their life will be like.
“I’m most excited for the next step in my life,” Shull said. “I’m growing up, and this is the first big step.”
