At Highlands High School, many students are already thinking about their futures. Setting long-term goals, whether it’s for a career in healthcare, engineering, or the arts, helps them stay focused and motivated in school.
For example, Devin Pierre (9) wants to become a nurse.
“Setting long-term goals helps me stay motivated to do well in school,” Pierre said.
He believes goals give him something to work toward, keeping him on track.
Isabel Argo (9) dreams of studying mechanical engineering. She sees herself in college in five years, focused on her academics.
“Long–term goals help you understand what you want and how to reach it,” Argo said.
Nelsey Willis (10) hopes to be in college in five years, studying something in the medical field like pediatric health care.
“I wanna do any pediatric health care or something to spend time with kids,” Willis said.
Right now, she’s focused on keeping her grades up and practicing for the ACT and SAT. Inspired by her parents, she believes, “Long-term goals help, as long as they’re not too broad because then you’ll give up easily,” Willis said.
Matthew Meyers (11) sees himself in graduate school, possibly studying engineering, while still working as a summer lifeguard.
“I do think setting long-term goals helps you, but they change a lot,” Meyers said.
Meyers current goal is earning a sectional cut in swimming, and he’s inspired by his coach. He said schools help students by giving them “routine and responsibility,” and he tries to encourage others by “staying consistent and being a good role model.”
Amari Martin (12) plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University for construction management and work at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
“I just want a stable income and a happy life,” Martin said. His engineering teacher and mom inspire him to stay focused.
“Usually, I tell my mom what I want to do, and if she thinks it’s right, I just keep going,” Martin said. He believes teachers who support students’ goals make a big difference.
However, many students still find goal-setting challenging. That’s where teachers come in. HHS teachers encourage students to think about their future and help them break down big goals into smaller steps.
Language arts teacher, Brady Dowling, believes long-term goals are important because they motivate students.
“It helps them stay focused on what they’re doing now,” Dowling said.
He encourages his students to believe in their potential, even when they feel uncertain.
According to Dowling, students should set goals that are a bit higher than they think they can achieve. Even if they don’t reach the exact goal, they will still be closer to it.
Science teacher Timothy Auch agrees that both short-term and long-term goals are important.
“Short-term goals help students move toward their bigger goals,” Auch said.
He believes students should set short-term goals to keep them on track each day, helping them work toward their long-term vision.
English teacher Katherine Simon focuses on growth. She reminds students that challenges and setbacks are part of the journey.
“Long-term growth is important,” Simon said.
Simon encourages students to keep pushing forward, even if they don’t reach every goal right away. She advises students to take it one step at a time, celebrating small wins along the way.
At HHS, the importance of long-term goals is clear. Whether students want to go to college, start a career, or explore new opportunities, these goals help them stay motivated and focused.
With the support of their teachers, students can achieve their dreams and grow along the way.
Teachers believe that setting goals that challenge students, while keeping them realistic and reachable, will help students reach their full potential.
