Future Scenario Poll: Are You Ready?

Read each scenario and choose the option that best reflects how prepared you feel or what you would do. Be honest with yourself!

Scenario 1: Budgeting Basics

You just got your first full-time job and need to manage your money for rent, groceries, and bills. How confident are you in creating and sticking to a monthly budget?

• A) Very confident! I know how to track income and expenses.
• B) Somewhat confident. I have a basic idea but need more practice.
• C) Not very confident. I'd probably struggle to make ends meet.
• D) No idea! What's a budget?

Scenario 2: Problem-Solving at Work

Your boss gives you a task you've never done before, and the instructions are a bit vague. What's your first move?

• A) Figure it out myself, trying different approaches until it works.
• B) Ask a coworker for help or clarification.
• C) Try for a bit, then give up and tell my boss I can't do it.
• D) Avoid the task and hope someone else does it.

Scenario 3: Communicating Needs

You're living with roommates, and there's a recurring issue (e.g., chores, noise). How effectively do you think you could communicate your concerns and find a solution?

• A) Very effectively. I can express myself clearly and listen to others.
• B) Somewhat effectively. I might get nervous but would try to talk it out.
• C) Not very effectively. I usually avoid confrontation.
• D) I'd probably just let it bother me and complain to others.

Scenario 4: Learning New Skills

To get a promotion, you need to learn a new software program. How do you approach learning a new, complex skill?

• A) I'd eagerly dive in, using online tutorials and practicing regularly.
• B) I'd try to learn it, but might get frustrated if it's too hard.
• C) I'd hope someone else teaches it to me step-by-step.
• D) I'd probably avoid trying to learn it and miss out on the promotion.

Scenario 5: Time Management for Projects

You have a major project due in two weeks, along with other daily responsibilities. How would you plan and manage your time to ensure everything gets done?

• A) I'd break down the project into smaller tasks and create a detailed schedule.
• B) I'd start working on it, but might procrastinate a bit.
• C) I'd probably wait until the last minute and stress out.
• D) I'd hope I remember to do it closer to the deadline.

Quick Reflection:

Looking at your answers, what's one area you feel most confident in, and one area you might want to strengthen as you prepare for life after high school?

Confident in:

Want to strengthen:

The Skills You'll Actually Need: A Discussion Guide

This discussion will help you think about the important skills you'll use after high school, no matter what path you choose. Share your thoughts with your group or the class, and be ready to listen to others!

Part 1: Reflecting on Future Paths

1. Based on the Beyond High School: What's Next? Slide Deck, which post-high school pathway (college, trade school, military, workforce) sounds most appealing to you right now, and why?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What are some initial feelings or thoughts you have about preparing for that path?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Identifying Key Skills

3. Think about someone you know (a family member, an older friend, a teacher) who is successful in their career or life. What skills do they possess that you admire and think are essential for their success?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. From the skills we discussed (critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, time management, adaptability), which one do you think is most important for any path after high school? Explain your reasoning.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Can you think of any other crucial life skills that aren't usually taught in school but are super important for success after high school? Why are they important?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Personal Readiness & Growth

6. Looking back at the Future Scenario Poll Warm-Up, which scenario did you feel least prepared for? What steps could you take now to start building that skill?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

7. What's one skill you already feel confident in that will help you after high school?
   
   
   
   
   
   

8. What's one new skill you are excited to learn or develop further in the next year to become more "real-world ready"?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Extension Activity (Optional):

• Design a "Real-World Ready" checklist for students entering different pathways (e.g., college, workforce). What specific skills or knowledge would be on each list?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Interview an adult about a skill they wish they had learned earlier in life to prepare them for their current career or lifestyle. Share your findings with the class.