Graduating from high school is an exciting time in your life, as you’re stepping out into a world of opportunities and freedom. However, this experience can sometimes be daunting, and you may be unsure which path to take. We’ve put together some tips for building confidence and feeling prepared for when you leave school, so you can head eagerly out into the world and achieve your goals.
Plan for your future
One of the best ways to feel confident when you leave high school is to prepare extensively beforehand. Plan out what goals you would like to achieve, then figure out what you need to do to get there.
This preparation can include:
- Looking for opportunities to build your skills while you’re still at school, such as work experience or volunteering.
- Deciding whether you want to complete more study after school, then checking what you need to achieve in high school to get there.
- Determining if you’ll need disability support services, then following that up by applying for NDIS funding if you don’t already have an NDIS plan.
Contact a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to get an NDIS plan
If you’d like to access disability support services to help you reach your goals after school, then you’ll need an NDIS plan. If you don’t already have a plan, you’ll need to see if you’re eligible for NDIS funding and contact an NDIS Local Area Coordinator (LAC). They’ll work with you to obtain your funding and access the support services that you require.
Choose goals in-line with your interests
Choosing goals that align with your interests will ensure that you have fun while working to achieve them! Working towards goals you’re passionate about and participating in activities that make you happy is sure to increase your confidence.
Here are some steps to help you figure out your goals for when you finish school:
- Write down a list of your interests
- Brainstorm potential careers that are linked to your interests
- Test your ideas through volunteering or work experience
- Visit Job Services Australia to develop a personalised job search plan
Get involved with programs and activities aligned to your goals
Making friends and learning new skills are essential for increasing your confidence. For this to happen, you need to familiarise yourself with the feeling of trying something new!
Joining community programs and signing up for activities or support services are surefire ways to build your confidence. These can include:
- Career coaching – these one-on-one or group sessions help you identify potential careers.
- Supported accommodation – supported accommodation can help you achieve your goal of living more independently.
- Education and training courses – NDIS providers, like Activ, offer nationally accredited training courses specially created and taught for people with intellectual disability.
- Supported employment – if you would like to head straight into employment after school, then some NDIS providers, like Activ, can provide you with supported employment services.
Be kind to yourself!
When you leave your comfort zone and try new things, there will always be some challenges – that’s part of learning and growing. The important thing is that when these moments occur, you’re kind to yourself and focus on the things that you’ve accomplished, and your future goals.
Being proud of where you’re at and the progress you’ve made is one of the key tricks to becoming a more confident person.
Finding an NDIS provider
If you’re ready to build your confidence and learn new skills when you finish high school, then you can engage with an NDIS service provider to access any of the programs we mentioned above.
Activ has been providing disability services in WA for over 70 years, offering a range of services that can help young people find greater independence and confidence when they leave school.
So, if you’re looking for an NDIS provider for your disability services in WA, get in touch with our friendly team today.