1. Why am I here in high school? Freshmen Advisory February 1, 2016

2. Why does this time matter?  A high school diploma matters!!  Right now your high school education is FREE.  Earning your diploma versus not earning a diploma is HUGE…. Why Am I Here In High School?

3. Drop Out vs. Diploma  HS Drop Out  $20,241 average annual salary  Not eligible for grants and free financial aid without diploma  Not eligible to enlist in any of the US Military  Dropouts are twice as likely to live in poverty than HS graduates  Dropouts are 63 times more likely to be incarcerated than HS and College graduates  HS Graduat e  $30,627 average annual salary  Eligible for grants and financial aid from junior colleges and universities  Eligible to enlist in any US Military  Unemployment rate for HS graduates is 6% while the HS dropout unemployment rate is 9%  HS graduates have a greater opportunity to continue their education, gain better work experience, and find productive careers. *Center for Labor Market Studies - Northeastern University, Boston, MA *US Department of Labor

4. Does my education matter?

5. What Can I Do With My Diploma?  With your diploma earned, you can continue your education to earn specialized training for jobs and career.  If you focus your diploma on meeting A-G requirements, you will be able to apply to 4-year universities and colleges when you are a senior.  It’s not just about 4-year colleges, though. Your diploma will allow you to attend trade schools, technical schools, and other certificate programs.  Did you know that you the military requires a high school diploma? You can earn money for college when you serve in any branch of the military, but you need a diploma to be recruited.

6. What Can I Do With My Diploma?  The classes you are taking now MATTER. Many graduates will tell you that they had to retake classes at a junior college because they didn’t take high school seriously. That just means more time and more money to complete your schooling options after high school.  Think about what you want to do after high school and what career you want ten years from now. The time you invest in your education today, will help you prepare for your future tomorrow.  Regardless of what path you choose – work force, military, community college, trade school, university, etc. – be sure to do your best and make your time count!

7. Discussion Time  In three and a half years you should be ready to graduate.  What are some of your plans after high school?  As you grow-up and develop into a young adult, be prepared to change your mind several times and discover new ideas.  Anyone willing to share your thoughts? Planning ahead and preparing for your future is SMART!

8. Why am I here in high school?  Your diploma will open doors for you after high school.  The more you take advantage of your FREE high school education, the more options you will have your senior year.  Take advantage of your time at FBHS. You never know what your senior year will hold!  YOU MATTER! INVEST IN YOU!