THE ECHO

Reporter// Lauren Klein

For some people, it’s bittersweet.

For some people, it’s exciting.

Grad parties, open houses, diplomas, and Sundays all lead towards the momentous day when people finish grade school.

But after that, what’s next?

Each senior has made decisions throughout their lives that shape their decision for their future.

For senior Kyla Ferman her decision to volunteer at the zoo over the summer, led her to want to go to Purdue and study animal science with their vet program.

“I volunteered at the zoo over the summer, and that really showed me how much of an impact humans can make on the world in a good way,” Ferman said. “I want to contribute to helping animals and bring awareness to them.”

During college, Ferman wants to take it easy for her freshman year and ease her way into college.

“I’ve heard that when you are a freshman, they tell you to just take it easy and ease your way into it and figure out your pace,” Ferman said. “But I will definitely be joining some different clubs or joining some groups.”

After studying at Purdue, Ferman is hopeful to go to vet school continuing her studies.

“Hopefully I want to go on to get my master’s at a vet school, and maybe a different location, maybe somewhere abroad,” Ferman said.

Senior Robert Porter is currently in show choir and wants to continue to pursue music after graduation.

“AMDA Academy, Indiana University, NCCU are the main colleges I want to get into,” Porter said.

After college, Porter wants to find some work specifically where he can continue to perform.

“I mean, hopefully I’ll get signed and perform like Justin Bieber or something,” Porter said. “But that’s unlikely so anything where I can perform is the goal.”

Senior AJ Sandullo wants to stay in state for college and become an Art Therapist to help kids express themselves.

“Art Therapy has been the most effective form of therapy for me,” Sandullo said. “If I can’t describe the feeling I have with words, I can paint the imagery it brings to mind.”

Specifically, Sandullo wants to work as a specialist in trauma recovery for kids.

“I think it’s important for children to have safe people that aren’t just their parents,” Sandullo said. “Especially in the circumstance of a traumatic experience.”

Not ready to leave her hometown friends behind, Sandullo is not ready to graduate and head to college.

“I think it will be really bittersweet,” Sandullo said.

Although Sandullo strongly feels the weight of the bittersweetness, she’s ready to embrace the change of college.

“I’m ready for the chance to learn new things at college but it’s sad that there’s a handful of people I probably won’t see again after high school,” Sandullo said. “But I am going to try and embrace the changes with acceptance.”

 While Porter is nervous about college, he is excited for graduation. He wants to celebrate one last time before graduation.

“I want to have fun with the people from my hometown before I leave,” Porter said. “It’s the last fun stuff before we get into the real world”

Before she leaves, Ferman also wants to make new memories as well.

“I am going to have my graduation party,” Ferman said. “I’m going to invite all my family members, and then I’m definitely wanting to hang out with my friends and celebrate with my friends as well.”