Preparing Seniors For the Real World

You are in charge of your own destiny. Take your time. Explore your options. Your future starts today. 

These are just a few of the messages the graduating class of Ramapo High School were given during Senior Seminar last week. In its first year, the event was the culmination of a yearlong effort to prepare students for the real world. 

"This is their exit interview," Principal Lou Moore told Patch. "It's our effort to say we care about you and your future, and want to be sure you are prepared." 

Whether students are off to four-year colleges, trade school or full time jobs, the morning was filled with practical and abstract sessions, including time management, civic engagement, public policy, your legal rights and responsibilities, financial fitness and global issues.

Professor Robert Gilbert, a sports psychologist at Montclair State University, kicked off the event by giving students the secret to success. 

"The common denominator for success in our economy is energy," he explained. As an example, he pointed to Kirstie Alley on Dancing with the Stars. "Here is a 60-year-old woman who made it to the finals because of her energy." 

Melissa Sapio, a former student of Gilbert's who graduated college with a perfect 4.0, revealed her secret to success as well: Surpass expectations. "You will succeed in life if you always do more than is expected of you," she told students. "People play this game of how little do I have to do. Instead of striving to meet the minimum requirements, exceed them." 

Students split into break out sessions where they heard from experts about life after graduation.

Jean Gaviglio, volunteer coordinator at Oasis, extolled the virtues of volunteer work. The key, she said is finding something you are interested in and enjoy. 

"We all have gifts, and its up to you to share those gifts with other people," she said. "That is your responsibility."

Entrepreneur Alyssa Gregory advised students on starting their own business some day, and noted the best thing you can do is work for someone else in your field to learn the ins and outs of the business.

"If you use the tools available to you and make plans to get from point A to point be, you can get where you want and be successful," Gregory told student. 

For a lesson in politics, the Young Republicans and Young Democrats came together to give young activist advice. Krista Lewie-Cepero, a student at Fordham who knew from a young age that politics was for her, encouraged students to not give up if they are told they are too young. 

"Call your congressman and tell them you want your voice to be heard," she said. 

Simon Li of NYU added that one or two passionate people can make a big difference. 

Former Bergen County Sheriff Leo McGuire, of Oakland, spoke to students about life and death matters, like distracted driving, drugs and underage drinking. Using the recent fatal car accident at the Pulis Avenue railroad crossing as an example, he drove home the lasting impact a bad decision can have. 

"Your future starts today," he told students. "No one wants to see it snuffed out or hit a speed bump along the way."