Lexi Rosas|staff writer

For most Johnson seniors, college acceptance letters have been received, schools have been decided upon, and the next four years can be expected to be spent in a dorm, in a college library, and over stacks of homework. But, there are some students who have chosen to take entirely different paths, and there are even a few students who are simply choosing to go with the flow and let that path find them.

“I’m not going to college because I joined the Marines,” said senior Devin Jones. “I’ve had the idea since 10th grade, but wasn’t really sure…then I bumped into a Marine Corps recruiter when I was a senior. That pretty much sold it to me.”

Everyone is inspired by something, be it money or fame. In Jones’ case it is benefits and ever important self-fulfillment.

“The benefits are really good. I couldn’t find anything like them in the civilian world,”said Jones. “Also, knowing that I would be a part of something bigger than myself really appeals to me.”

While some students are moving college to the back burner, they are not altogether abandoning the whole idea of attending college.

“I’m not going to college at first. I am going to be traveling for ballet…,”said junior Aiden Carrasquel who still has another year to go before really settling on his options. “After my dance career…I am going to try and go back to school. I’ll probably be in my 40’s.”

While some are simply waiting for the right time, others may need a degree in the future.

“The only reason that I would go to college at all is if I were to be an officer in the Marine Corps…getting more pay and more responsibility…It would be fully paid for and I could take classes between deployments.”

Finally, there is that one kid- the one that is defined by those sterotypical qualities that come to mind when a student doesn’t go to college.

“I’m just doing me right now,” said senior Aaron Schneider.

But these students may not be lazy, like many think. They may simply be undecided, because the decisions that can define your future, and ultimately the rest of your life,are not ones that should be made as a result of pressures from parents, teachers, and the rules set by society.

“I have a big art portfolio that I could fall back on…also, I’m kind of modeling right now…I’ll just wait to see where that takes me,” said Schneider.

At the end of the day, every student must make a decision that will get them where they want to go. Some, like Jones who has wanted to be a Marine since freshman year,  and Carrasquel who has been dancing “since birth,” are sure of their futures. Some, like Shneider, are simply making the smart decision and figuring out themselves before they choose their paths.

“[My parents] are bummed, but they have realized that they can’t control my life.”