Post-Graduation

Guide to Success

Following graduation from Opportunity Charter School, our hope is that you will either continue on to attend college or enter the workforce. Both options are excellent routes to success and we are so excited for you to start on this new journey! Navigating a new job or school can feel overwhelming so we are here to simplify it for you. This guide includes key steps to take as you embark on your new journey that will set you up for success at the institution and beyond.

Attending College…

Register for classes

• Make sure you are enrolled in your Fall 2023 semester courses. If you are not sure what classes to take, you can schedule an appointment with one of the school counselors and they will be able to provide some guidance. Do not be afraid to utilize all the resources the school has to offer; they are there to help you!

PLEASE NOTE: If you do not submit your immunization documentation, you will not be allowed to register for classes

Explore majors

• During your first year of college you should be exploring a variety of classes as well as ensuring you are taking all core classes that the school requires. You might think you know what you want to major in, but keep an open mind and be open to the possibility that you might change your mind along the way. Students usually don’t have to declare their major until their second year of college so there is no rush!

Sign up for a meal plan

• Meal plans allow you to eat at the dining hall or other on-campus places for meals for a set price that will be added to your tuition for the semester. If you are living on campus and plan on exclusively eating at the dining hall, a meal plan with the highest amount of dining hall meals might be a good option for you. If you are living at home and would prefer to eat at home, you might not want to sign up for a meal plan at all if you don’t plan on eating in the dining hall. Choose the plan that makes the most sense for you, your schedule, and budget.

Career Development

• Most colleges have a career development department (or some variation of that). Their job is to help students determine what career they might want to pursue following college graduation. They will help you establish career routes and jobs you might like and be well suited for based on your interests and major. Take advantage of the career development staff!

Finding a roommate

• Colleges sometimes have Facebook pages for incoming students to join and connect with one another. This might be a good place to meet someone with similar interests and living habits to potentially choose for a roommate. You can also choose a random assignment in which the school will randomly select a roommate for you.

Student Support Service

• If you have an IEP (Individualized Education Program), contact Student Support Services to make sure they are aware. You should bring them a copy of your IEP. If you do not have one, your assigned counselor in the clinical department at OCS will be able to provide you with it.

Immunization Records

• Ask your parent or guardian for your immunization records as you will need to provide this to your institution.
• “New York State Public Health Law 2165 requires post-secondary students attending colleges and universities to demonstrate proof of immunity against measles, and mumps and rubella”.
• If you have not received these vaccinations, make an appointment with your PCP (Primary Care Physician) to get vaccinated prior to the fall semester.

Time Management

• Adjusting to a college-level curriculum will undoubtedly come with challenges that take time to adjust to. Between classes, homework, exams, etc. it can feel overwhelming and maybe even impossible to manage. Here are some time management skills that might help to ease your stress:

• Get a planner: Planners are a great way to help organize your days. Pencil in time for homework, class time and even time to relax! If you don’t schedule it into your calendar, sometimes it never happens.
• Allocate specific time slots for assignments: For example, if you have three assignments due the next day, allocate one hour per assignment and a 4th hour to finish up whatever work is left over. This will ensure you do not spend too much time on one assignment and not leave any time for the others.
• Do a little each day: For larger assignments or big exams, dedicate time each day to work on it. This will prevent last minute cramming. For example, if you have a 20 page paper due at the end of the semester, don’t wait until the day before to start. Dedicate 30 minutes of work each day to the paper, or write one page per day.
• Set boundaries: Sometimes, you will have to say no to things if you have too much on your plate. If you are in 5 classes and have a part time job, you might not be able to go to the party on Friday night or help a friend move. It’s okay to say no and prioritize yourself and your mental health. Overextending ourselves too often or committing to too many things can lead to burn out!

Transferring Colleges

• Meet with your college adviser when selecting classes every semester. Students looking to transfer after 2 years of college must choose their courses strategically. Not every credit you earn at your 2-year college will transfer to your 4-year university. You can save time and money by asking an adviser if classes will transfer before you select them.
• Sign up for a transfer program at a 2-year college. These programs include the same kinds of courses that you'd take in your first 2 years at a 4-year college. The program aims to help you succeed at making the transition.
• After spending time at your two-year college, you must apply to a four-year institution as a transfer student. This admissions process works differently for transfers than for new students. Your four-year college will look at the courses you took and the grades you earned at your two-year college and decide how much credit to give you. Each class is worth a certain number of credits, often three, and students need to earn enough credits, usually 120, to graduate. If enough of your courses transfer, you can start at the 4-year college as a junior.
• If you don't get credit for some of your courses, you may need to retake them at the 4-year college. This scenario often occurs when classes considered core courses at the 2-year college only count as electives at the 4-year university.

• When you graduate from the 4-year college, only that college’s name will appear on your bachelor’s degree.

Important College Resources

• Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP)

• ASAP is a three-year program that is designed to remove barriers to college success and completion for students seeking associate degrees. ASAP offers students financial, academic, and personal supports. ASAP students are required to enroll full time and are encouraged to take any required developmental education courses in the first semester.
• Steps to Join CUNY ASAP:

• Be a current CUNY student or apply to a CUNY college that offers ASAP | ACE.
• Complete the FAFSA and the TAP application each year.*
• Accept your offer of admission and complete all college admissions requirements.
• Attend an Info Session/Orientation where you can join. Check out our Enrollment section, and contact a recruiter on your campus for details.
• *All CUNY ASAP | ACE students (US Citizens and Permanent Residents) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application each year and accept any federal and state grant aid awarded (Pell, SEOG, TAP). Students not receiving financial aid but otherwise eligible may join but may not receive a tuition and fee gap scholarship.

• Accelerate, Complete, and Engage (ACE)

• CUNY’s Accelerate, Complete, Engage (ACE) is a comprehensive academic support program designed to help students complete their academic journey to a bachelor’s degree on time. ACE provides intensive academic advisement, career development, tuition scholarships, textbooks, and transportation assistance.

• Visit website: https://www1.cuny.edu/sites/asap/accelerate-complete-and-engage/

Entering the Workforce… 

Finding a Job

• Finding a job can feel overwhelming; here are some websites that will help you find job opportunities:

• https://www.snagajob.com/
• https://www.indeed.com/
• https://www.glassdoor.com/

• Narrow your search by location, salary/ hourly wage, and line of work to find the right role for you.

Interview

• If you are in the process of interviewing for jobs, here are some tips:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early
• Bring a printed copy of your resume
• Wear business casual (dress pants, button-down shirt)
• Ask questions! Do some research about the company and have 2-3 well thought out questions to ask. Some examples of questions:

• What does a typical work day look like?
• What characteristics does someone need to have in order to be successful in this position?
• Is there room for growth within this role and the company?

• Be yourself; advertise your authentic self– don’t try to be someone you think they want to hire.

Onboarding Process

• The onboarding process will vary significantly depending on the employer. That being said, here are some key questions and thing you should ask your employer for throughout the onboarding process:

• “What is my start date?”

• Make sure you have ample time before the start date and that it works for you.

• “Do you need to do a background check and/or fingerprinting?”

• Some organizations require a background check and fingerprinting for their employees. This checks your criminal history, driving record (any tickets), and history of employment and education. Make sure you are honest about these things before the background check is run so there are no surprises.

• “Who will be training/ mentoring me?”

• When you start a new job, oftentimes employers will assign someone to train you and get you up to speed. This person is supposed to help make your transition into the role smooth and answer your questions. They are also responsible for educating you on cultural norms of the company, technology systems, and processes and procedures.

Open up a bank account

• Most jobs now are paid via direct deposit, meaning your paycheck will be transferred directly to your bank account on pay day. In order to set this up, you will need to open up a bank account. The bank account will have an account number and routing number attached to it which you will need in order to set up direct deposit at your place of employment. For direct deposit, you just need to open up a checking account, not a credit card. To get the process started, go to a bank near you and talk to a teller (employee at the bank). They will tell you what you need to get started; you will likely need identification (license for example), your social security number, and proof of residence (lease agreement for apartment if you rent or a piece of mail with your name and address on it).

Plan vacation days

• Before you start your job, take a look at the number of vacation days you are allowed to take per year. It’s important to be aware before you start working so you can plan your year accordingly. You have limited days to take off each year so if you have a trip coming up or a holiday you need to take vacation days for, make sure you allocate the days appropriately and give your boss ample notice.

Budget

• Budgeting is super important to do when you start making a steady income. Even if you don’t have rent payments or car payments, you still have to make sure you are not spending more money than you’re making. This is especially critical if you are trying to save money. Please see a sample budget below as well as other budget categories you might need to include in your own budget based on your spending habits.

Other categories you might want to include:

• Rent
• Utilities (gas and electric)
• Internet
• Health (insurance, doctor’s appointments etc.)
• Restaurants (lunch, coffee etc.)
• Exercise (gym membership, workout app subscription etc.)
• Travel (vacation, trip etc.)
• Shopping (clothes, shoes etc.)
• Beauty (hair appointment, nails etc.)
• Tuition
• Books and supplies for school

Resources & Information for Everyone

Medical

• Schedule appointments with your PCP (Primary Care Physician) for annual check-up and dentist for yearly check-up/ cleaning. If you don’t know who your PCP is, call your insurance company to find out (you can find the number on the back of your insurance card).
• How to schedule an appointment:

1. Have your insurance card in front of you
2. Call your insurance card (the number is on the back of the card) and ask for a list of primary care physicians, dentists, gynecologists, dermatologists, etc., near your home. You need to see a doctor that is "in-network" with your insurance
3. When you get the list of the doctor you would like to see, call the doctor's office and say, "Hi, I would like to schedule an appointment" (you will be asked for your health insurance information– if you do not have health insurance, see instructions below)
4. Write the appointment date and time in your notes, calendar, or planner
5. Confirm the address of the doctor’s office: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/public/dohmhnews3-10.pdf
6. Arrive at your appointment early to fill out medical forms and ensure the receptionist has all your insurance information

• For more information, see “How to Find a Doctor” in the back of the guide

• Preparing for a doctor's appointment:

1. Look up directions on how to get to the doctor's office
2. Bring your insurance card with you. After you enrolled in a plan, you should have gotten a card or other proof of your insurance in the mail. (If you didn’t get a card, contact your insurance provider).
3. Know your family health history. Share with your doctor any family health history and medical records if you have them (it's okay if you do not know the answer to this).
4. Make a list of any medications and dosage you take.
5. Bring a list of questions or concerns you’d like to discuss with the doctor. You may want to bring a friend or family member with you to help.
6. Take notes. Write down any questions that come up during your appointment. Don’t leave until all of your questions have been answered and you understand what to do next.

• Health insurance:

• What is health insurance?

• Health insurance helps pay for planned or unexpected medical care. Health insurance options are available to all New Yorkers, even if you are not a citizen. Counselors can help you choose a health insurance plan.

• How to get health insurance:

• Visit this website: https://access.nyc.gov/programs/health-insurance-assistance/#determine-your-eligibility

• This website helps you determine your eligibility and apply for health insurance

• You can also call (646-692-2273) to enroll in NYC Care

• To enroll in public health insurance plans, you will need:

• Citizenship/immigration documents indicating your lawful immigration status
• Social Security Numbers (SSN)
• Date of birth for everyone applying in household
• Current employment information
• Household income

Physical Health

• It is critical that we take care of our bodies to ensure we live long, happy and healthy lives.

• Exercising has so many positive benefits on our health such as helping manage weight gain, preventing health conditions and disease and improving mood overall health. If you don’t know how to get started, start by walking 20 minutes every morning. There are also plenty of at-home workouts available on YouTube free of charge!
• Sleep is so important for our health, especially mood regulation, cognitive functioning and steady energy throughout the day.

• The American Academy of Sleep recommends 8-10 hours of sleep per night for teens and at least 7 hours of sleep per night for adults over 18 years of age.

• Fuel your body with nutrient dense foods. Our body needs a variety of foods to function properly. Focus on consuming the five food groups below that will nourish your body and keep you feeling full and strong:

• Protein: ex. chicken, steak, salmon, chickpeas, eggs etc.
• Fat: ex. avocado, almonds, almond butter, peanut butter, other nuts etc.
• Fiber: ex. chia seeds, vegetables such as broccoli, fruits such as apples etc.
• Greens: ex. spinach, romaine, kale, arugula etc.
• Carbs: ex. sweet potatoes, whole grains, oats etc.

• Take vitamins! Taking a daily vitamin helps us get all the essential nutrients that we might not be getting from our food. Vitamins strengthen our bones and our immune system. Ask your PCP  what kind of vitamin they recommend. You can find many different types at a pharmacy near you.
• Get outside! Spending time outside every day helps us get Vitamin D from the sun and has been shown to reduce cortisol levels (stress hormone). Make sure you wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause cancer.

• Fact: Most Americans are Vitamin D deficient!

Mental Health

• Just like we take care of our physical health, we have to take care of our mental health as well! Here are some ways to exercise our mind, eliminate anxiety and promote mental clarity:

• Meditation: Find a quiet place to meditate. Set your timer for 5 minutes, close your eyes and sit quietly. Focus on your breath.

• Studies show that meditation helps reduce stress, increase concentration and emotional balance.
• There are plenty of free meditation apps to download on your phone or on YouTube that offer guided meditation if you are having trouble meditating on your own.

• Journaling: Journaling is a great way to clear our mind. If we are feeling stressed, afraid, upset, angry, or any negative emotion, journaling can help get clear on our emotions and feelings. Sometimes we do not feel “good” but are unable to identify why or even what the emotion is that we are feeling. Journaling can be a great tool to express how we feel and not keep it all inside.
• Practice mindfulness: Draw attention to your 5 senses. What are you feeling, seeing, smelling, hearing and tasting at this moment? Summertime is a great opportunity to enjoy the sounds of nature and new activity happening around us.
• Laugh with a friend: Laughing actually decreases cortisol levels in the brain (a chemical that makes us stressed) and releases endorphins (feel-good chemical)! Never underestimate the power of laughter.
• Write a gratitude list: Write a list of 3-5 things you are grateful for. Psychological studies indicate that writing gratitude lists help people feel more optimistic, increases happiness, and improves relationships.
• Talk to someone: Whether it’s a friend, loved one or professional, talking about our thoughts and feelings is always better than keeping them in. Sometimes just saying something out loud can relieve stress and fear. See the Resources table below for agencies that can help.

• How to schedule a mental health appointment:

1. Call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card
2. Ask for a list of therapists near you
3. Call the therapy office and say, “Hi, I’m calling to schedule a therapy appointment. I have been feeling [EMOTION; e.g., sad, anxious] or struggling with [BEHAVIOR; e.g., drinking, arguing] lately and am hoping I can talk to someone about it.”
4. Ask, “Do you take my insurance?”
5. Ask, "Do I need a referral?”
6. Based on available appointments, pick a date and time
7. Write down the appointment in your calendar, notes, and/or planner
8. Verify if the appointment is virtual or in person

• How to prepare for your mental health appointment:

1. Look up directions on how to get to the clinic or office
2. Bring your insurance and ID with you
3. Arrive at your appointment on time
4. Be prepared to answer questions about yourself
5. Prepare to be at the appointment for an hour to an hour and half

Drivers License, Permit and State ID

• If you’d like to obtain your learner’s permit and first driving license, refer to the following link for step-by-step instructions: https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/get-your-learner-permit-and-first-driver-license 
• If you’d like to obtain a state ID, refer to this link: https://dmv.ny.gov/id-card/get-non-driver-id-card-ndid 

Passport Information

• U.S. passports valid for 10 years are issued to US citizens ages 16 and older. You will need to apply for a new passport if:

• You are a first-time applicant and have never been issued a US passport.
• Your most recent passport was issued when you were age 15 or younger.
• Your last passport was issued more than 15 years ago.

• To apply for a passport, you will need the below documents:

• Proof of US Citizenship (birth certificate)
• New Passport Application Form (DS-11), completed offline or filled out online at https://pptform.state.gov/ and printed
• One passport photo
• Photocopy of your driver’s license or other state-issued ID (front and back)
• Flight itinerary or other proof of travel plans (only required if you need to rush a new passport)

• Your passport application can be processed in one of three ways:

• By Mail – The Passport Acceptance Agent will send in your sealed envelope to be processed at the National Passport Center.
• At a Passport Agency – If you are in a rush for a new passport, you can visit US Passport Agencies located in major US cities, where your new passport will be processed on-site.
• By a Passport Expediting Company – If you need to expedite a new passport, you can send your sealed envelope to a reputable passport expediting company, who will hand-carry your application to a Passport Agency to process your passport fast.

• Visit this website for more information about how to obtain a passport: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply.html

Renting your first apartment: 

1. Determine How Much to Budget for Rent

1. Avoid paying more than 30% of your monthly adjusted income in rent to have money left over for other expenses (meaning, you should not pay more than ⅓ of the money that comes into your bank account (after-tax money)). Some landlords require renters to make at least three times the rent price, so this can also be a way to determine which rentals you qualify for. The key is finding a rental that you can afford and doesn’t require spending too much on monthly rental-related expenses.

1. Example: If the asking price of rent is $1,500 a month. You need to make at least $60,000 a year before taxes. This can sometimes be combined with a roommate or someone living with you.

2. Work with a Broker. If you know what neighborhood you want to live in, it's usually best to find a broker based there. Many brokers also have websites where you can view available apartments.

1. Real estate websites and apps
2. Street Easy
3. Apartments.com
4. Naked Apartments
5. NYC Housing Connect is New Yorkers' portal to find and apply for affordable rental and homeownership opportunities across the five boroughs of New York City
6. Visit NYC Housing Connect now to register, then find and apply for affordable housing opportunities! https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ 

2. Take a walking tour of the apartment. Only meet people you have spoken to over the phone, and verify they are working with the building management. Go with someone or tell someone who you will meet and where. Never tour an apartment at odd hours. For example, a tour will never take place at 11 pm.   Be sure to check windows (do they open and close), faucets for running water, light fixtures (do they work), electricity (do the outlets on the wall work), stove, and refrigerator. Ensure everything is working; if not, ask what will be done to fix it. Ensure that you are comfortable with the rules of the building. Make sure there is a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm in your apartment. Ensure the window to the fire escape can be locked to keep people from entering your apartment.

1. Sometimes brokers ask for a deposit to secure the apartment. Never send money through Zelle, cash app, or any electronic payments. Make sure you receive receipts for every payment made.

3. Know what utilities are included. For example, some apartments have hot water and gas in the rental price. You must set up electricity and pay it through a third party like Con Edison. Some apartments include electricity, water, and gas in the rental price.

1. For example, Rent is $1,500 and includes electricity, water, and gas. This means $1,500, including rent and utilities. You must pay $1,500 for rent and your electric and water bills separately if utilities are not included.

4. Know the application process. Some applications have an application fee, be prepared to pay this. Most applications require a credit check. It is essential to know your social security number. Never give your social security number to anyone unless you are confident that the person is, in fact, working with the landlord (the person who owns your apartment). Bring all documents requested on time with the application. Many landlords will not wait for you to prepare your application; you must act fast and professionally but not desperately. Think things through, ask questions, and discuss with a loved one.
5. Once approved for the apartment, be prepared to pay up to 3 months of rent. You will be asked to pay the first month, the last month, and the security deposit. If you work with a broker, there is a broker fee, usually the amount of rent.

1. Example: 1st month: $1,500

Last month: $1,500

Security deposit: $1,500

Broker fee: $1,500

Application fee: $20

Credit check fee: $20

The total you will need at lease signing: $6,040

6. Read the ENTIRE lease. It is very important to read what you are signing. If something does not make sense, ask questions. Once you sign, you are responsible for paying your rent on time every single month, no matter what is happening in your life. Suppose you fall behind on rent. Reach out to resources. Some agencies can help and are listed on the resource page.

1. Does the lease mention all the amenities agreed upon? Be sure to write down any oral agreements.
2. Check your lease to find out the due date for your rent each month and what late charges apply if you miss the deadline.
3. Check whether utilities are billed separately or included in your monthly rent.
4. Are there any special building rules? Find out if your new building is: pet-friendly, has limits on guests, has restrictions on running a home business, etc.
5. What happens at the end of the lease term? Can you renew automatically? What happens if you break the lease? Can you sublet or assign (transfer) the lease?

7. Get renters insurance. If there is a fire or a flood, landlords are not responsible for your belongings. This means if your clothes, tv, PlayStation, and other items are damaged, it is lost, and you will not get compensation. With insurance, you can file a claim for your damaged items and get money for those items.
8. Other expenses you will need to be prepared for:

1. Packing supplies such as boxes and tape          
2. Moving Truck Rental (U-Haul)
3. Cleaning supplies

9. Clean your apartment before moving, if possible, or as soon as you get in. Remember, other people lived in the apartment before you moved in. You want to especially clean the bathroom and kitchen before using it.
10. Call Con Edison to set up your account and turn on the lights for move-in day
11. Call internet service to set up service at your new place
12. Leave a spare key to your apartment with someone you trust who can help you get in your apartment in the event you get locked out
13. Have a bag of safety items, such as a battery-operated flashlight, candles, water, and battery operated radio. This will come in handy during a storm if the lights go out.
14. Enjoy your new place!! Have a housewarming party. Make a list of items you need, and invite friends and family. Everyone should bring you a gift on the list.

Taking Care of your Home

• If you are living on your own, here is a list of chores and responsibilities you should remember to do regularly to keep your living space clean:

• Daily:

• Make your bed
• Take out the trash
• Wash the dishes
• Wipe counters and surfaces
• Sweep or vacuum if necessary

• Weekly:

• Sweep floors
• Vacuum carpets/ rugs
• Mop floors
• Laundry (including sheets)
• Dust furniture
• Clean/ sanitize bathroom
• Clean/ sanitize kitchen
• Dispose of old food

• Monthly:

• Clean oven/ microwave
• Clean mirrors/ windows
• Declutter/ clean out cabinets and pantry
• Clean out fridge

Your High School Information & Contacts

Opportunity Charter School

240 W 113th Street

New York, NY 10026

212-866-6137

• Head of School                                                 

Jessica  Marcu

• Deputy Head of School

Sade McCaw

• High School Principal

Kaitlin Francis

• High School Assistant Principal

Joanne Hazel

• School Psychologist

Victoria Findley

• Guidance Counsellor

Eve Finger

• School Social Worker

Judymarie Rosa