Dear Editors,
Thank you for your decision to update the college map.
Seniors who are happy with their college decisions deserve to celebrate their admission. They have worked hard to get where they are, and they should be proud of their efforts.
Reflecting on the college application process as a whole, it’s stressful and filled with insecurity. Each rejection can feel like an attack on one’s self-worth, and a string of rejections can feel like a failure. For some seniors, they’re lucky enough to be satisfied with their results. For others, they’re still learning to accept that the admissions process doesn’t define who they are.
Although our conscience tells us to celebrate others’ successes, oftentimes we compare ourselves to others, and the future plans map can promote unhealthy comparisons.
I also understand that some people want to see if any of their peers will be joining them in their years after Aragon. They’ll be glad to know that the Outlook is still creating a map of the regions Aragon graduates will be going to. While it will not initially specify the exact place they’re going to, it never hurts to reach out and ask if they have similar plans.
“We found that the proposed alternative aligns with Aragon’s mission in building a stronger community because it highlights the new opportunities that our fellow students will embark on”
In its previous design, the Future Plans map could also uphold the stigma that community college, working full-time or trade schools are inferior because the map overwhelmingly features students going to 4-year universities. In 2022, only 18% of Aragon graduates attending community colleges reported it to the Outlook’s college map, whereas 63% of graduates attending 4-year universities reported it. Of 16 students reported taking a gap year, joining the military, taking an apprenticeship or being employed full-time, only 38% of those graduates reported their plans to the Outlook.
I know peers who are attending community college because of their family’s financial situation, or those who chose community college because their grades dipped due to mental health struggles. There are also people who need to stay nearby to care for their family. Let’s remember, being able to live away from home and study at a four year university is a privilege. Yet, there’s often a stigma around community college, as evidenced by the disparity in the Outlook’s response rates. When 4-year-college attendees disproportionately report their plans to the map, the disparity may alienate community-college or non-college attendees. It upholds the expectation for students to attend 4-year institutions, when in reality, a 4-year institution is not the only path to success.
Fellow juniors who will be undergoing the admissions process soon, the next months are daunting. Our strength as a community comes from the compassion we have for others and every path we choose. Thank you Outlook editors for having the compassion and initiative to challenge the status quo.
We found that the proposed alternative aligns with Aragon’s mission in building a stronger community because it highlights the new opportunities that our fellow students will embark on.
Just remember, we are more than just students, our grades or the school we will attend. I am excited to see the paths we choose to take in the future.
Aaron-James Sanchez, junior
