Often, the path for high school students after they graduate is seen as linear. After receiving a high school diploma, students must pursue higher education in a traditional job as the only way to true happiness and success.

However, this narrow-minded view of after-high- school plans has caused numerous students to suppress their passion, and childhood dreams fade out of memory.

But this is not the case for everyone. Despite numerous challenges, senior Landon Kapsa has remained committed to his long-time vision to serve his country and has worked to ensure it can become a reality.

“My motivations for [continuing with my path] stem from my willingness and wanting to serve my country to the best of my ability. My inherent sense of duty is the primary reason I’ve wanted to go into the military for so long. I want to give back to the country that has given so much to me and that has gotten me to where I am today,” Kapsa said.

His hard work and dedication have paid off, as Kapsa has received numerous prestigious distinctions and nominations that have enabled him to take steps closer and closer to achieving his goal.

Specifically, one of Kapsa’s most treasured memories from this journey was receiving the honor of being nominated by US Senator Deb Fischer for the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point.

“After the [West Point nomination], I was called personally by both Senator Pete Ricketts and Representative Don Bacon. Those calls felt amazing to get, despite the fact that I was at a loss for words while on the phone,” Kapsa said. “In truth, those calls to me were almost like a wake-up call; they were signs that, against all expectations, the dream that I had worked so hard to pursue may actually come true.”

But even while pursuing a traditional four-year university education, students, like senior Graham Baijnauth, have been able to carve out uniquely personal paths for their futures.

“A fashion history museum archivist is a specific job and as a result, there isn’t a degree for it. A fashion history degree doesn’t exist either, so I plan to complete a textile history certificate alongside the museum sciences degree,” Baijnauth said.

Baijnauth had a unique inspiration for beginning their journey into this field, finding their passion from a pop culture moment.

“Kim Kardashian wearing Marilyn Monroe’s dress to the 2022 MET Gala [inspired me to follow this path]. I strongly believe that instances like this should be stopped and that such iconic garments should be preserved and protected. [This incident] at the 2022 MET Gala was the thing that made me decide that I wanted to devote the rest of my life to making sure something like that never happens again,” Baijnauth said.

Furthermore, Baijnauth hopes that their involvement in this field will enable them to advocate for fashion’s recognition as a necessary and important branch of knowledge.

“The fact [is] that fashion is not viewed as a valid branch of history, yet it is an incredibly essential part of the way we visualize and interact with history. One of the first things that define a point in time is what is being worn, and it’s time we begin to recognize that,” Baijn- auth said.

By exploring this field, Baijnauth has been able to unite two of their strongest passions, designing fashion and exploring its history, while simultaneously constructing a stepping stone to their future aspirations of changing the world’s perception of fashion.

While remaining committed to what may not seem like a traditional job can be intimidating, there are many resources and people who are willing to help students every step of the way, including counselors here at MN.

“Most of my students also come to see me with questions or for guidance throughout their journey at Millard North. I thoroughly enjoy sitting down with them and talking about their goals and aspirations,” counselor Abbie Sivinski said.

Besides speaking with counselors, there are numerous other options to explore alternate paths for students, including the annual Skilled Career Expo as well as exploring resources such as Naviance.

Both Kapsa and Baijnauth believe that by remaining steadfast in their commitment to their futures, they have forged paths for themselves that will benefit them in the future.

“The skills of leadership from [my plans] combined with the degree that I hope to earn I feel will translate to future success as leadership is an essential part to being successful in the US military and being an effective part of our armed forces, which is what I hope to become,” Kapsa said.

Above all, they encourage students to stay true to what they believe in and to pursue what they love because it is what will enable them to truly live their lives.

“Your life is what you make it. And it becomes so much more fun when you stop caring what other people think about you. Don’t let anyone tell you that your dreams and plans aren’t valid,” Baijnauth said. “Because everything will be okay in the end, and if it isn’t okay, it isn’t the end.”