The first senior meeting of the 2024-2025 school year marked the start of the college application process for seniors. For some, this process had been long anticipated, while for others, the prospect seemed daunting and dreadful.

During the meeting, Brian Williams, the now lone CHS counselor, began the presentation by highlighting the numerous options beyond the traditional four-year university pathway. One of these options was the “Hot 50 Jobs in Michigan,” which are jobs that don’t require four-year degrees, but can pay upwards of $80,000 a year.

Williams also discussed navigating the Common App, obtaining letters of recommendation, and the upcoming barrage of college visits. He reassured the seniors that, despite the uniqueness of CHS’s academics, they wouldn’t need to explain it.

“All of the quirks of CHS, and the lack of IB programs, AP courses, and the FOS program won’t need to be explained,” Williams said. “[The profile we send] to colleges highlights all the great academics that happen at our school, and that’s what makes our school highly regarded.”

At the end of the meeting, Dean Marci addressed the class, asking everyone to take a deep breath and approach everything with intention.

“Don’t ever say ‘I’m just’ when considering your post-secondary plans. Be confident,” Dean Marci said. “We want you to be confident in whatever you do, but don’t ever use the phrase,”I’m just.”

“I’m scared about writing the essay. I’m not the strongest writer, and it feels like a life-defining essay to write, so l’ve been putting it off a lot,” CHS senior Ivy Ball said. “Personally, I’m not really sure if I’m planning to go to college. I have started a planning process, but it’s very stressful.”