For some students, graduation represents the end of the line for any type of formal education.
Some students may have decided to enter the job force, but learning doesn’t stop because they have left the four walls of a classroom or finished taking online courses.
Life is a big challenge, and people learn continuously, many times through life’s hard knocks or opportunities that avail themselves.
For others, graduation means one door closes, and another door opens as students continue their education. Some students opt to remain in Fallon, while many of their classmates search for a new adventure in a new place.
Many students from both the Adult Education Diploma Program and Churchill County High School have a desire to continue their education at the next level whether it is at Western Nevada College in Fallon or another two-year institute, a four-year university or a trade or tech school.
Others have decided to join the military which continuously challenges its servicemen and women through training, either in the classroom or in the field or aboard a ship. The military offers scores of different career opportunities, many that are compatible with those in the civilian world. Choose your career wisely and learn well.
At last week’s graduation ceremony for the Adult Education program, most students said they have plans for the future, and that is to continue their education. One student wants to be an Emergency Medical Technician or dental hygienist, two would like to be auto mechanics and another would like to explore the world of technology, especially in the health field.
Another student said he was inspired by a high-school course in video production and would like to pursuit that field.
Completing the requirements for an Adult Education diploma also takes great focus and dedication to achieve because these students showed the determination to finish their high-school education and become meaningful citizens ready to make contributions to an ever-changing world.
Arlene Detomasi, director of the program, said the only place success comes before the work is in the dictionary. The 18 students who decided to return to school should be commended for taking a harder road to obtaining their diploma.
In today’s world and with today needs, a two-year degree in a crucial field is just as valuable as a four-year degree. The Tesla plant east of Reno will require qualified employees as does the geothermal industry, which keeps expanding in Northern Nevada. The desire for a well-educated workforce in Nevada is needed more today than ever before.
No longer does Nevada totally rely on gaming and mining like it did 20, 30 and especially 40 years ago. New technology is finally transforming Nevada’s economy into a diverse one, especially with many high-tech ventures coming into the Reno area.
For those who decide to further their education through a trade, you will find many of those vocational professions pay handsomely. Anyone who has needed their services can attest to that. Likewise, many students who walk across the stage on Friday night have aspirations to better themselves and know of the challenges that await them.
The “Pride of our Future,” the 2016 graduating class from Churchill County High School, will listen to speakers, receive their diplomas, share a few laughs, shed a bucket of tears, hug each other and then move on. It’s a scenario played out each year and also at many high-school graduations across the country.
Although the world changes as quickly as it spins on its axis, students will find no end to their dreams and goals. While the previous years in school have been a challenge, so, too, will be your future endeavors whether you continue with your education, find a job or join the military. So, as any graduate can see, a door is closing, and one is opening for the game of life.
At last week’s Adult Ed graduation, Kimi Melendy, director of Educational Services for the school district, summed up the future for the students with five goals, and we think they are appropriate for any graduating class from high school to WNC to four-year institutions. She said students must take responsibility for their actions, be positive and set goals, learn from mistakes, be thankful for what you have and finally, give back to a cause with time and money.
Education, many of you will discover, is your umbrella for most endeavors.
Editorials written by the LVN Editorial Board appear on Wednesdays.