So you’re considering a gap year. Maybe you’ve already applied to college, have been accepted, or you’re about to graduate high school and want to explore your options. Whatever your situation may be, its only a matter of time until the ‘gap year’ topic will come up.
Everyone needs a break. A vacation, time off work, even the episode on Netflix you’ve been waiting to watch at night when you get home. It’s these moments of rest, rejuvenation, and relaxation that get us through our toughest weeks and longest hours.
High school seniors are the social group that face this topic the most. At the completion of high school, you’re at a transitional point. Typically, it’s time for these young spring chickens to spread their wings and fly from the nest. Away from everything they’ve ever known; family, friends, and the soccer team they’ve dedicated every weekend to.
You’ve just completed 12 long years of institutional academic programs, and the next thing you have to look forward to is… another 4 years of a more expensive version? You barely know your favorite color, and society wants you to declare a major and know what kind of cog you want to be so you can be a useful member to your community? (cynical, I know)
Suddenly, the idea of taking a gap year is very attractive. A year of freedom to explore, travel, and ‘find yourself.’ How romantic! You hear incredible success stories of famous entrepreneurs, actors, and even authors whose gap years dramatically influenced their growth as people. Even Obama’s daughter is taking time off. But do you ever wonder how many people have a boring, or even miserable gap year?
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If you know me personally, you know I took a leave of absence – basically a gap year – from university. My return to school is approaching quickly, and I’ve been reflecting on the journey and development I’ve gone through during this time ‘off.’
Everyone is different, and the reality is: a gap year isn’t the answer for everyone. As much as you may want to be able to post a photo of yourself on some wanderlusty mountain ridge in Europe #GapYear, I challenge you to ask yourself a few questions. And answer them honestly!
[For the purpose of this blog I define a ‘gap year’ as: a leave between schools with full intention of returning in the near future. Different from not attending college at all, dropping out, etc.]
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Do I know what I want to do with my life?
Some people know what profession they want to pursue from a very young age. It’s your passion, your dream, your ultimate goal. It may change later on, but for now, it’s the direction you’re headed.
If this is the case, (and if a degree will help you achieve your goal) go to college. If you’re unsure, continue on.
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Do I know what I’d want to do on a gap year?
It’s incredibly easy to waste time if don’t pay attention. That’s why you can start watching an episode on Netflix, and the next thing you know, the sun’s coming up and you’ve finished the season. Start a gap year with no intention, and you can end up with an entire year’s worth of binge-watching (yeah it might sound nice now, but trust me it’s not).
Luckily, there are a ton of resources for gap-year-planning. Programs, mission trips, and volunteer groups galore, happy to take an able-bodied youngin’ for some free labor. Here is a website to get you started if you have no idea.
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Will the benefits outweigh the costs?
Depending on what you want to do, taking a gap year can be expensive. You may be used to your parents paying for everything. But i’ve come across many cases where when the child declares a gap year, the parents refuse to pay for anything. Can’t blame them. They want a stable, secure future for their child, not some wavering blurry future. But ‘cost’ doesn’t only refer to dolla billz.
Think of what you will gain in return for this disruption in normal educational patterns. New friends, memories, or knowledge? Some monetary income? What’s it worth it to you, and what do you have to lose?
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Can I do both?
Technology is a beautiful thing. There is so much we are able to do now that wasn’t available 20 years ago… even 10 years ago! And all at our fingertips. You can get a degree online. You can get certified online. You can make millions online, and lose it all.
If you trust your ability to complete agree and have a gap year, all the power to you. Best of both worlds.
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If only Stanford allowed it. In a perfect world…
I have a lot to say about gap years, and would be open to a discussion about it anytime. If you have any questions, or are curious about my gap year, feel free to shoot me a message on social media.
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12/31 #YearOfChallenge