A Swift Kick of Reality

seniors took a hiatus from classes on Thursday for a crash course in life.

Sponsored by the Sonoma chapter of Soroptimists, the school's annual "Road to Reality" day is a chance for educators to prepare students for the swiftly changing modern world they’ll encounter once leaving high school.

“It gives an option for seniors, who are about to go into life after high school, to get a look at some serious realities that we all hear about, but aren’t aware of to the full extent,” said principal Dino Battaglini.

Wearing blazers over jeans and pencil skirts over lace tights—the 17-year-old definition of business attire—the smartly attired students gathered in the auditorium, and rotated through a series of 30-minute lectures on topics ranging from finances to job finding.

“I just want to say this is a very different world for you to enter into than the world that I entered into when I was going to college,” Mayor Laurie Gallian said to the roomful of students, during a proclamation naming Feb. 3 "Road to Reality" day in Sonoma.

To relate to the changing world, the preparedness day has adapted since its inception in 2000. Boys and girls are no longer taught in separate sessions, and a new seminar this year, “Facebook, Twitter and Beyond,” educates on internet privacy issues—such as: your boss will be able to pull up that spring break photo album from Facebook, just as easily as your friends will.

“Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you know everything about the way the internet works,” said new media lecturer James Marshall Berry, “Just because you’re old doesn’t mean you know nothing.”

A crowd of eager adults gathered near Berry for the new media crash course: “I’m here to freeload,” said City Councilman Steve Barbose.

Other tips for the soon-to-be newly minted adults:

Don’t ever put your social security number in an email—it can be hacked. 

Also, showing up late to class is a good way to get on your college professor’s bad side.

And, choose your roommate wisely. If they bail on the rent, you’re responsible for all of it.  

By the time the final session rolled around, a glance around the auditorium revealed looks of eager anticipation and anxiety on senior student’s faces.

“I want to expand my education after high school; I’m more prepared, [after today]” said Lenardo Avalos, 17.

Kayla Allan, 17, said that the day had helped her gain confidence in pursuing her passions after school.

I want to major in interior design, and open a chain of nightclubs—don’t make fun, that is cool,” said Allen, tapping her friend Jessica Hage, 17.

But for Hage, the day was more of a sober awakening into adulthood.

“I think it’s a little scary to realize everything you have to do,” said Hage.

“It’s overwhelming, growing up,” added Allen.