“To the wrongs that need resistance, To the right that needs assistance, To the future in the distance, Give yourselves.”
-Carrie Chapman Catt (1859-1947) American Women’s Rights Activist

After graduation, the possibilities seem infinite. Facing their new freedom, many high school graduates feel eager to pack up, move out, and never look back. Subsequently, they are forced to face a slough of new responsibilities and obligations. As the economy continues to shift, however, more and more high school students are choosing to stay in Northwest Indiana.
Stephanie Rarick, a senior, will be attending Purdue Calumet in the fall.
“I plan on staying home during my first year of college,” she says, “and then transferring to West Lafayette at some point.”
Many students are taking similar routes. Last year, almost one-third of Noll’s seniors reported that they were living at home in order to work or attend a local university.
For most students, college is becoming increasingly difficult to pay for. According to the New York Times, more than half of the students currently enrolled in university are required to take out loans in order to attend class. Some students question whether or not they will be able to afford college at all. Fortunately, high school graduates are beginning to realize that staying in the region is a completely feasible option.
And it doesn’t just benefit the students; it benefits the entire community.
The current state of the economy is putting a large strain on students and workers; in focusing on local schools and businesses, those who live in the region are able to boost the local economy and provide support to each other.
“I think it’s important for people to get educated or specialized in their careers so they can give back to their communities,” senior Caroline Rosales says.