A message from College and Career Counselor Farris James to the Class of 2023

Farris James College and Career Counselor 2022

Jun 2 2023

Our post-high school transition planning process is both structured and individualized to meet the needs of our diverse learners. There is, in some ways, no such thing as a typical Assets student. Each student, regardless of their plans after graduation, works closely with me during junior and senior years to develop and implement their plan based on their strengths, challenges, interests, and needs. I do this in close partnership with advisors, teachers, administration, and parents or guardians.

This particular class I am especially proud of because they started and ended their high school careers under extraordinary circumstances of the global pandemic, and they came out of these challenges so strong. Most years, teachers note that students develop something we sometimes refer to as “senior-itus,” a slump in motivation or even a backslide in maturity toward the end of senior year. There are many reasons this can happen, including growing weary of the structures or the daily grind of high school. It is sometimes described as a sign of outgrowing a stage of life, like a pair of shoes students still have to wear but it does not quite fit them anymore, the big toe popping through. As the year came to a close, I did not notice any lack of motivation with the Class of 2023. When comparing notes with other teachers, my observations were largely confirmed. Instead of a slump in motivation, the class of 2023 seemed engaged up to the end of the year. They also displayed optimism and enthusiasm for their plans, and eagerness to work with me on their next steps. I wonder if the class of 2023 was savoring the most normal year of high school they were able to experience.

Though we do not require college application or college attendance, our students are all guided to know how to access colleges and career options that fit them. I’m proud of the hard work our students have done to get into their career paths including those attending colleges and universities and alternative paths. We have students planning on attending universities here in Hawaii, on the continental U.S., and outside the U.S. We have students who choose closely based on their specific passions or interests (such as acting, fine art, history, veterinary care, finance, and psychology), and we have students who choose based on a need for a higher level of support offered in certain colleges. We also have some students who choose more career-focused programs to prepare for trades (such as carpentry), or work-based plans forged through our mentorship program. 97% of our graduates were accepted to college, with 84% choosing four-year degree-granting colleges or universities, 10% choosing associate degree programs, and the remaining students 6% choosing a gap year or alternative work-based pathway to success.

The list of college and career destinations for the class of 2023 is below along with the list of college acceptances. I always like to note that our college and career destinations are diverse, like our students.

I am always impressed by the determination and hard work our students put forth to chart a course forward, whether in college, trade school, serving our country, or diving into their careers. It is my honor to work with our exceptional learners to ensure they develop a path to success that fits. Class of 2023- I hope you stay in touch with Assets. I, personally, look forward to catching up with you when you come back to visit, hopefully in December for the annual alumni holiday luncheon, if not sooner.

College Plans/ Destinations Class of 2023

# students

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Colorado Mesa University (CO)

Creighton University (NE)

Curry College (MA)

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott (AZ)

Hawaii Pacific University

Honolulu Community College

Loyola Marymount University (CA)

New York Film Academy (LA)

Northern Arizona University (AZ)

Pacific University (OR)

Pitzer College (CA)

Reed College (OR)

Saint Martin's University (WA)

Savannah College of Art & Design - SCAD (GA)

Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan

The University of British Columbia, Canada

University of Hawaii at Mānoa

University of Hawaii-West Oahu

Windward Community College

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A message from College and Career Counselor Farris James to the Class of 2023

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