Where do we go from here?

There comes a time in all our lives when we come to a crossroads, where we are presented many opportunities and we must choose for ourselves. This can include marriage, parenting and other important experiences, as well as graduation.

Seniors all across the country are taking this next step, and it can be rather daunting. We are saying good-bye to old friends and familiar places in order to make our way to the next level: adulthood — and doing so, for the most part, alone. We have been preparing for this for four years, and it's likely that we are all happy that it is coming to one glorious end.

Though the class of 2011 at Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts has been together for several years, there is a broad spectrum of choices that we are making for our futures.

Many, of course, are heading happily toward high education, both community colleges as well as four-year universities. Others are looking forward to service in the armed forces. No matter the specific path, a strong majority of students at MCAA have a long-term goal that they are working for.

Sadie Dickinson said that she is planning to attend Woodland Community College: "I'm going to get my associate's in English and criminal law," she said. "Then I'm going to go to the California Highway Patrol Academy."

Others, like Elisa Gorbis and Nichole Carr-Roberts, intend to continue to create and experience art. Elisa, who wants to major in design and media arts, plans to attend the University of California, Los Angeles: "I want to eventually get my master's."

Nichole said that after high school, she's going to attend beauty college in Chico and "work in a salon until I can save up money for art classes," she said.

And then there are some who still aren't quite sure of what they want. Derrick Gardner is planning to attend Yuba College, before "hopefully" enrolling in a university on the coast. "I'd like to major in graphic arts, agriculture or photography," Derrick explained. "I like to keep my options open."

As for the memories that the senior class of MCAA has made, not only have they entertained; they have shaped and molded us as well. Nichole described it as "six years of a family reunion," remarking on the friendly atmosphere of the school. Sadie said, "It's been like a home."

It is not likely that any of us will ever forget the unique times we have had at Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts. These last few years have been, as Elisa said, "really fun and full."

And it will be up to us to take what we've learned and all the things we've gained and become better for them. There are so many ways for us to apply ourselves and go out and immerse ourselves in life. And it all begins with one single step.

T.J. Scott is a senior at Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts. This is her final column for Education.