Life is good. Mom does your laundry. Your parents pay the bills. And you probably aren’t responsible for putting dinner on the table. Soon, however, the door to your future is going to fling open, and the real world will pull you out, ready or not.

That’s where we come in. We’ve compiled all the information you need to take the next step. Whether that step is toward college, trade school, or directly to the workforce, the most important thing is that you’re prepared and have a plan.

Flip through this section to hear from recent high school graduates across the state who have chosen different education paths. They make it clear that what you do is not as important as knowing how to get there and being prepared.

1. Four-Year Colleges: Abby Brumfield, University of Arkansas
2. Two-Year Colleges: Ariel Witcher, National Park Community College
3. Degree and University Centers: Brandon Fuller, ASU-Beebe
4. Technical Institutes: Tori Junkersfeld, Black River Technical College
5. Apprenticeships: Anabel Garcia, Pulaski Tech
6. Concurrent Enrollment: Anthony Moser, Ozarka College
7. Online Degree Programs: James Watkins, UALR