Preparing the Class of 2024 for Life Beyond Graduation

lis-news
  • 26 Mar 2024

As the countdown to graduation draws near, the excitement among our Year 13 students is palpable. But along with the thrill of completing this significant chapter comes the daunting prospect of stepping into the world of adulthood. At LIS, we understand the importance of equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive beyond the school gates. On Tuesday, 19 March, Year 13 spent the afternoon engaged in activities to prepare them for life after high school.

Embassy Insights: Navigating the World Safely

One of the highlights of the afternoon was a guest speaker session featuring Mr. Marc Jackson and Mr. Alberto Russo, security agents from the US Embassy. They shared valuable tips on situational awareness and staying safe in new environments, particularly important as our students prepare to move to unfamiliar cities for university. From identifying potential risks to practical strategies for personal safety, our students gained crucial insights into navigating a new environment.

Adulting 101: Building Practical Life Skills

To empower our Year 13 students with essential life skills, we organized a hands-on activity centered around the concept of an "Adulting 101" jar. Students decorated jars and filled them with a range of tasks aimed at fostering independence and responsibility. These tasks included everything from practicing household chores like vacuuming and sweeping to spending quality time with younger siblings and understanding the cost of everyday essentials. Equally important was involving parents and guardians in the process, with tasks tailored to facilitate important conversations and practical preparations for the transition to university life.

Alumni Insights: Learning from Experience

In a special Google Meet call, members of the LIS Class of 2023 joined in from around the globe – spanning Texas, New York, the UK, Netherlands, and Japan – and generously shared their experiences and wisdom from their first year of university. Amidst laughter and shared nostalgia, they offered invaluable advice on managing finances, navigating the challenges of independent living, and embracing the opportunities that come with newfound freedom. Their candid reflections on the highs and lows of university life served as both inspiration and reassurance for our Year 13 students, reminding them of the supportive community they'll always have at LIS.

As our soon-to-be graduates prepare to spread their wings and embark on new adventures, these activities have equipped them not only with practical skills but also with the confidence and resilience to thrive in the face of new challenges. With the support of their LIS family and the lessons learned from these experiences, we have no doubt that they will soar to new heights and make the most of the exciting journey ahead.

Kristen Rosenfield