High school seniors get asked the same question a lot: What are you doing after graduation?

Some have an answer ready. Others are still weighing college, work, a trade or something they haven't considered yet. Fair enough. It's a big decision to make while you're still trying to pass chemistry.

Vista's Velocity: What's Next? series has two workshops coming up on November 10 and 18. They're meant to help students sort through the choices.

A Path Beyond the Diploma

The first session is “Your Plan, Your Path: Planning for Life After High School.” It's Tuesday, November 10, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Community college, universities, apprenticeships, trade programs, military service and jobs are all part of the discussion.

That's a lot more useful than assuming every senior wants to head straight to a four-year campus. Some do. Some want to start earning money or learn a trade. Plenty aren't sure yet.

College Is a Tool, Not the Finish Line

The next workshop is Wednesday, November 18, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Its name is “College Is a Tool, Not the Finish Line.”

This session gets into the college options: community colleges, Cal State, UC, private schools and colleges outside California.

A school across the country and a campus down the road can mean very different costs and living arrangements. Students will have a chance to compare those paths before picking one.

And yes, starting at community college and transferring later is on the table.

Someone Who's Helped Students Make the Call

Kristi Harlig of Future InSight College Consulting is presenting. She has roughly 20 years of teaching and counseling experience in public schools around Los Angeles and San Diego counties.

She's worked with students dealing with applications and families looking at what college will actually cost. Those conversations can get complicated quickly.

The workshops are group sessions. They're not advertised as private appointments, but students can bring questions about the choices in front of them.

Vista Has Been Making Those Connections

The Vista Chamber also runs the Velocity Summer Internship Program, giving local students paid experience with employers. The Chamber reported 87 participants this summer.

It's a different program, but it connects to the same problem. A career sounds one way when you read about it. Seeing somebody do the job can change your mind.

Sometimes that's exactly what a student needs.

Before You Go

Both workshops are at the Vista Chamber of Commerce, 350 E. Broadway, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Mark November 10 and November 18.

The flyer asks for an RSVP through its QR code and says “Senior Students Only.” It also mentions families for the November 18 session. Parents who want to attend should ask the Chamber about that detail.

You can show up with questions. Nobody expects a finished life plan.

Questions You May Have About Vista's Workshops

When are the Vista workshops?

November 10 and 18, 2026, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Where will they take place?

Vista Chamber of Commerce, 350 E. Broadway, Vista.

Who is presenting?

Kristi Harlig of Future InSight College Consulting.

Is registration required?

Yes. The flyer directs attendees to RSVP using its QR code.

Can parents attend?

The flyer mentions families but also says senior students only; confirm directly before attending.