Question
You are on a journey—right now. Whether you feel ready or not, high school graduation is coming, and the choices you make now are shaping the version of you who will walk across that stage. This assignment is a chance to pause, reflect, and map out what comes next. Your future is yours to plan—so let’s do just that.
🧠 Part 1: Looking Inward – Where Am I Right Now?
Respond to the following questions thoughtfully and honestly:
What are your current goals for after graduation? (Examples: college, trade school, workforce, military, travel, etc.)
On a scale of 1–10, how ready do you feel for the “real world”? Explain your number.
What are three strengths you have that will help you succeed in life after high school?
What are three areas (skills, habits, knowledge, etc.) you know you need to improve to reach your goals?
🚧 Part 2: Identifying the Gaps – What Do I Still Need?
Reflect on the following soft skills and real-world applications. Which of these do you feel confident in, and which do you need to develop more? Write 1–2 sentences for each:
Time management
Financial literacy (budgeting, banking, credit)
Communication (professional, personal, digital)
Emotional intelligence and stress management
Personal responsibility/accountability
Adaptability (ability to handle change)
Then answer:
Are there any other skills you think are important for your specific career or life goals that aren’t listed here? What are they?
📍 Part 3: Creating Your Roadmap
Using your answers above, create a simple but detailed roadmap for yourself. This can be in paragraph form, a bulleted list, a visual chart, or a slide presentation. It must include:
Your goal(s) for the next 1–2 years (include after graduation if a senior)
Key milestones you need to reach (ex: apply to college, get a job, save $500, pass a license exam, etc.)
Action steps to work on your weaker skills
At least one personal commitment you will make to yourself this year
💬 Part 4: Words to My Future Self
Write a short letter (half a page minimum) to the version of yourself 5 years after graduation. What do you hope you’ve accomplished? What advice do you want to give yourself?
🧠 Part 1: Looking Inward – Where Am I Right Now?
Respond to the following questions thoughtfully and honestly:
What are your current goals for after graduation? (Examples: college, trade school, workforce, military, travel, etc.)
On a scale of 1–10, how ready do you feel for the “real world”? Explain your number.
What are three strengths you have that will help you succeed in life after high school?
What are three areas (skills, habits, knowledge, etc.) you know you need to improve to reach your goals?
🚧 Part 2: Identifying the Gaps – What Do I Still Need?
Reflect on the following soft skills and real-world applications. Which of these do you feel confident in, and which do you need to develop more? Write 1–2 sentences for each:
Time management
Financial literacy (budgeting, banking, credit)
Communication (professional, personal, digital)
Emotional intelligence and stress management
Personal responsibility/accountability
Adaptability (ability to handle change)
Then answer:
Are there any other skills you think are important for your specific career or life goals that aren’t listed here? What are they?
📍 Part 3: Creating Your Roadmap
Using your answers above, create a simple but detailed roadmap for yourself. This can be in paragraph form, a bulleted list, a visual chart, or a slide presentation. It must include:
Your goal(s) for the next 1–2 years (include after graduation if a senior)
Key milestones you need to reach (ex: apply to college, get a job, save $500, pass a license exam, etc.)
Action steps to work on your weaker skills
At least one personal commitment you will make to yourself this year
💬 Part 4: Words to My Future Self
Write a short letter (half a page minimum) to the version of yourself 5 years after graduation. What do you hope you’ve accomplished? What advice do you want to give yourself?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
# Part 1: Looking Inward – Where Am I Right Now?
**Current Goals for After Graduation:**
After graduation, my primary goal is to attend college and pursue a degree in environmental science. I hope to engage in hands-on research and possibly travel for study abroad opportunities to gain a global perspective on environmental issues. In addition, I aim to take part in internships related to sustainability that will provide me with practical experience in my field.
**Readiness for the “Real World” (Scale of 1-10):**
I would rate myself a 6. While I have a foundational understanding of how to navigate adult responsibilities, like managing a schedule and keeping up with assignments, I realize that I still need to learn more about financial independence, networking in a professional setting, and living on my own. The prospect of adulting is exciting but also a bit daunting.
**Three Strengths:**
1. **Resilience:** I have faced challenges in school and personal life but always manage to bounce back and learn from those experiences.
2. **Curious Mindset:** I possess a strong desire to learn and explore new concepts, which drives me to seek knowledge and improve my skills continuously.
3. **Strong Work Ethic:** I am dedicated and hardworking, which allows me to see projects through to completion, even when I encounter obstacles.
**Three Areas for Improvement:**
1. **Financial Literacy:** I need to enhance my understanding of budgeting, investing, and managing credit to prepare myself for financial independence.
2. **Public Speaking Skills:** While I am comfortable in small groups, I feel anxious when speaking to larger audiences and need to become more confident in this area.
3. **Networking Skills:** I’ve realized the importance of building connections for career advancement and need to practice how to effectively network with professionals.
# Part 2: Identifying the Gaps – What Do I Still Need?
**Time Management:**
I feel moderately confident in my time management skills, as I can prioritize tasks for school. However, I need to develop a more structured schedule that accommodates both academic and personal responsibilities.
**Financial Literacy (Budgeting, Banking, Credit):**
I currently feel unprepared in this area. I understand the basics but lack practical experience with managing a budget, applying for credit, and understanding loans.
**Communication (Professional, Personal, Digital):**
I feel confident in personal communication but need improvement in professional and digital communication, particularly through email and during interviews.
**Emotional Intelligence and Stress Management:**
I believe I am fairly adept at recognizing my emotions and managing stress. However, I need to practice better coping techniques and resilience strategies, especially during busy or challenging times.
**Personal Responsibility/Accountability:**
I feel confident in taking responsibility for my actions and deadlines. I am generally dependable and can be counted on to meet my commitments.
**Adaptability (Ability to Handle Change):**
I rate myself as moderately adaptable. While I can adjust to new situations, I tend to feel anxious and need to improve my ability to stay calm during times of change or uncertainty.
**Additional Skills:**
I think critical thinking and problem-solving skills are crucial for my future career in environmental science. Being able to analyze situations and formulate effective solutions is essential in this field.
# Part 3: Creating Your Roadmap
**Goals for the Next 1–2 Years:**
- Enroll in a college with a strong environmental science program.
- Complete at least one internship or research opportunity related to sustainability.
- Build a personal savings plan and save at least $1,000 before starting college.
**Key Milestones:**
- Research and apply to at least five colleges by the end of the year.
- Attend workshops or webinars focused on financial literacy within the next six months.
- Join or form a public speaking group (like Toastmasters) within the next year.
**Action Steps to Work on Weaker Skills:**
- Set aside one hour a week to learn about budgeting through online courses or community workshops.
- Practice public speaking by delivering presentations in class or participating in local events.
- Attend networking events or job fairs to gain experience meeting professionals in my field.
**Personal Commitment:**
This year, I commit to practicing gratitude by writing down three things I’m grateful for at the end of each day to cultivate a positive mindset and enhance my emotional well-being.
# Part 4: Words to My Future Self
Dear Future Me,
As you read this five years after graduation, I hope you look back and see a journey filled with growth, adventure, and achievements. I hope you've successfully navigated your college experience and are now contributing to the field of environmental science, perhaps working on projects that make a meaningful impact on our planet.
Remember, it's okay to embrace the challenges and setbacks along the way; they are merely stepping stones towards becoming the person you're meant to be. Don’t shy away from opportunities, whether they be internships, travel experiences, or professional connections. Each one will shape you and open new doors.
Lastly, I urge you to maintain balance in your life. Take time for self-care, cherish relationships, and continue learning, both academically and personally. Stay resilient, stay curious, and remember why you chose this path in the first place. You have the power to create the future you dreamed of back at graduation—go seize it!
With hope and encouragement,
Your Past Self
**Current Goals for After Graduation:**
After graduation, my primary goal is to attend college and pursue a degree in environmental science. I hope to engage in hands-on research and possibly travel for study abroad opportunities to gain a global perspective on environmental issues. In addition, I aim to take part in internships related to sustainability that will provide me with practical experience in my field.
**Readiness for the “Real World” (Scale of 1-10):**
I would rate myself a 6. While I have a foundational understanding of how to navigate adult responsibilities, like managing a schedule and keeping up with assignments, I realize that I still need to learn more about financial independence, networking in a professional setting, and living on my own. The prospect of adulting is exciting but also a bit daunting.
**Three Strengths:**
1. **Resilience:** I have faced challenges in school and personal life but always manage to bounce back and learn from those experiences.
2. **Curious Mindset:** I possess a strong desire to learn and explore new concepts, which drives me to seek knowledge and improve my skills continuously.
3. **Strong Work Ethic:** I am dedicated and hardworking, which allows me to see projects through to completion, even when I encounter obstacles.
**Three Areas for Improvement:**
1. **Financial Literacy:** I need to enhance my understanding of budgeting, investing, and managing credit to prepare myself for financial independence.
2. **Public Speaking Skills:** While I am comfortable in small groups, I feel anxious when speaking to larger audiences and need to become more confident in this area.
3. **Networking Skills:** I’ve realized the importance of building connections for career advancement and need to practice how to effectively network with professionals.
# Part 2: Identifying the Gaps – What Do I Still Need?
**Time Management:**
I feel moderately confident in my time management skills, as I can prioritize tasks for school. However, I need to develop a more structured schedule that accommodates both academic and personal responsibilities.
**Financial Literacy (Budgeting, Banking, Credit):**
I currently feel unprepared in this area. I understand the basics but lack practical experience with managing a budget, applying for credit, and understanding loans.
**Communication (Professional, Personal, Digital):**
I feel confident in personal communication but need improvement in professional and digital communication, particularly through email and during interviews.
**Emotional Intelligence and Stress Management:**
I believe I am fairly adept at recognizing my emotions and managing stress. However, I need to practice better coping techniques and resilience strategies, especially during busy or challenging times.
**Personal Responsibility/Accountability:**
I feel confident in taking responsibility for my actions and deadlines. I am generally dependable and can be counted on to meet my commitments.
**Adaptability (Ability to Handle Change):**
I rate myself as moderately adaptable. While I can adjust to new situations, I tend to feel anxious and need to improve my ability to stay calm during times of change or uncertainty.
**Additional Skills:**
I think critical thinking and problem-solving skills are crucial for my future career in environmental science. Being able to analyze situations and formulate effective solutions is essential in this field.
# Part 3: Creating Your Roadmap
**Goals for the Next 1–2 Years:**
- Enroll in a college with a strong environmental science program.
- Complete at least one internship or research opportunity related to sustainability.
- Build a personal savings plan and save at least $1,000 before starting college.
**Key Milestones:**
- Research and apply to at least five colleges by the end of the year.
- Attend workshops or webinars focused on financial literacy within the next six months.
- Join or form a public speaking group (like Toastmasters) within the next year.
**Action Steps to Work on Weaker Skills:**
- Set aside one hour a week to learn about budgeting through online courses or community workshops.
- Practice public speaking by delivering presentations in class or participating in local events.
- Attend networking events or job fairs to gain experience meeting professionals in my field.
**Personal Commitment:**
This year, I commit to practicing gratitude by writing down three things I’m grateful for at the end of each day to cultivate a positive mindset and enhance my emotional well-being.
# Part 4: Words to My Future Self
Dear Future Me,
As you read this five years after graduation, I hope you look back and see a journey filled with growth, adventure, and achievements. I hope you've successfully navigated your college experience and are now contributing to the field of environmental science, perhaps working on projects that make a meaningful impact on our planet.
Remember, it's okay to embrace the challenges and setbacks along the way; they are merely stepping stones towards becoming the person you're meant to be. Don’t shy away from opportunities, whether they be internships, travel experiences, or professional connections. Each one will shape you and open new doors.
Lastly, I urge you to maintain balance in your life. Take time for self-care, cherish relationships, and continue learning, both academically and personally. Stay resilient, stay curious, and remember why you chose this path in the first place. You have the power to create the future you dreamed of back at graduation—go seize it!
With hope and encouragement,
Your Past Self