No question, it’s a tough world out there. But for some South End students, it’s never too soon to get ready for the bumpy transition to the “real world” after graduation.

That was the thought behind this year’s Options and Opportunities Job Fair at South Whidbey High School last week.

“Normally, we hold this event during the day, but decided to try it at night to get as many parents here as well,” said career center specialist Angela Czarnik. “It worked; this is a great turnout.”

The high school commons was crowded by 6:30 p.m. as students and parents checked out the offerings from 34 colleges, local businesses and the military.

Junior Austin Bennett listened to a pitch from Navy recruiter James Little Jr. on the benefits of an NROTC scholarship.

“This appeals to me, but I haven’t made any decision yet,” Bennett said. “The program offers the first year in college free, then a five-year obligation to the Navy as an officer after graduation. That’s nine years, but something I’d seriously consider.”

Julia Iversen said she liked what the representative from Pacific Lutheran University had to say.

“I’m considering going for a degree in communications,” she said. “Friends I know say they like this school, with its small campus and good ratio of students to teachers.”

Iversen added that bringing along her dad, Scott, helps in the decision-making process.

Adam West spent some serious time talking with a Marine wearing dress blues.

“He told me some things I was already interested in,” West said. “They’re looking for the few and the proud and offer the biggest challenge of any of the armed services, like a 13-week training regimen versus nine weeks for the other guys.

“I think my mom will be supportive, whatever I do,” he added,

Student Will Zink was drawn to something called an “aviation survival technician,” a program offered by the Coast Guard.

“He’s the guy who drops out of a helicopter to rescue people in the water,” Zink explained.

Zink’s mom, Ann, wasn’t so sure as she perused the catalogue.

“Maybe he’d like to be a health and environmental services technician instead,” she noted, visualizing her son dropping into ice-cold seas under the rotating blades of an H-65 Dolphin chopper.

Her son, a sophomore, noted he has time before making a decision about what to do after high school.

“Tonight gives me a chance to see what’s out there, and there seems to be lots of choices,” Zink added. “When the time comes, I want to be ready with a solid decision.”

Marie Shimada went from one table to another.

“It’s good to see all the colleges that came,” she noted. “The hand-outs are great, and I like the key rings and pens, too.”

She added that while it’s too soon to make any hard-and-fast decisions, she likes exploring the possibilities.

And that’s the point, said the high school’s employment counselor, Eric Nerison.

“Exposing these kids to as many options as we can lets them know what’s available,” he said.

“Allowing them a one-on-one interface is helpful, as opposed to Internet searches. It will prepare them when the time comes to put their best foot forward getting a job or finding the right college.”

Student Chantal White sported a nifty bag courtesy of the Army — “An Army of One” was the slogan — but was drawn to the curriculum of Hawaii Pacific University.

“Lots of choices, lots of people to talk with,” she said. “I’m planning a major in business management and a minor in theater arts, so the Hawaii school might be best for me. I’m still looking, though.”

Trevor Romero is a SWHS alum who has already made his decision. A 2009 graduate and a private in the Army, he accompanied Sgt. Brian Mock in full desert camouflage, offering advice to former classmates with questions about military life.

Romero just finished basic training, where he was the only private out of 180 in his class to win the Association of the U.S. Army Award.

“They gave it to me for leadership and my ability to work with others,” Romero said. “And I found I was pretty good on the rifle range, too.”

He said the military isn’t for everyone.

“But it is an option for some and something to seriously consider,” he said. “It works for me, that’s for sure.”