Senior year is when students make some of the biggest decisions of their lives—when that future that seemed lifetimes away finally begins. No matter what path North Atlanta seniors decide to follow, whether it be college, career, or military, the staff at North Atlanta’s College and Career Center is here to help. New to the team this year is Amun Youngblood, a Georgia-native who emphasizes inspiration.
Originally from Athens, Youngblood graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2024. Before ever stepping into the labyrinth that is North Atlanta, he knew that he wanted to shape the lives of the next generation. Youngblood worked in fundraising for elementary schools around the state, where he discovered how much he cares about the students and their families, but eventually decided that fundraising wasn’t the place for him. With the eventual goal of motivational speaking within education, he landed on college and career advising. “My favorite part has been becoming mentors to these students and inspiring them,” he said.
It’s no secret that senior year is stressful, a culmination of 13 years of education that quickly becomes a whirlwind of applications, deadlines, and potentially life-altering decisions. The never-ending balancing act of classes and extracurriculars can quickly become overwhelming for students. Throw in some extra due dates and unanswered questions, and it may feel like the world is about to end. Youngblood understands the importance of this year but wants to remind seniors to give themselves grace, to remind themselves that it isn’t, in fact, the end of the world. “Keep the excitement and keep the fire, but don’t let yourself get burnt out,” he said.
Every year, a new class of Warriors is forced to face these challenges and answer these impossible questions. Luckily, the advisors at North Atlanta’s College and Career Center are here to help. The team helps guide students through these tough decisions, helping them find the path that is right for them. Assisting with applications, scholarships, financial aid, and so much more, the addition of Mr. Youngblood gives students access to another mentor to help them navigate their future. Senior Audrey Khayat is extremely grateful for all of the help she has received from the College and Career Center this year. “Everyone in there has been super helpful and supportive with my applications,” she said.
While senior year may be the end of many things, it really is just a new beginning. For most, it’s a first step into true independence, a transition that propels graduates to the beginning of the rest of their lives. It’s a huge first step, which makes the role of advisors like Mr. Youngblood so important. No matter what a student’s future goals are, the CCC team will make sure that they take that vital step in the right direction.
