Growing up in U.S. culture, we are constantly reminded of the American dream. From a young age we were told to get good grades in order to get into a great college which would ultimately land us an amazing job. However, it has not been until recent years that this mind-set started to change a bit.
Gap years are on the rise. In 2016, Malia Obama (the daughter of Barack Obama) decided to postpone Harvard University for a year so that she could learn more about herself while serving others less fortunate overseas. Malia is not the only young person to discover the beauty of a gap year. Many others have come before and after her. However, she just happened to be the President’s daughter at the time.
There was a lot of controversy surrounding Malia taking a year off after high school. Many people believe that if a recent high school graduate does not go back to school right away, they will lose interest and never return. This is not always the case, though. In fact, a gap year has the ability to empower young adults and to give them a clearer direction for their future.
Now first off, you may be wondering, what is a gap year?
A gap year is simply a year-long program that exists for young adults to take a break from school in order to focus on themselves and to discover what they actually feel called to do. This in turn helps students to choose a career path and an educational experience that pertains directly to their skillset. Whether you are someone who is seeking a life-changing experience or someone who is curious to know more, here are 5 reasons why you should consider taking a gap year:
1. Burnout
This is a real thing. Let’s face it, high school is exhausting. Whether it is trying to understand the concepts of physics or feeling the intense waves of peer pressure, high school can be incredibly draining. By the time a student reaches 12th grade, they already have 13 years of school under their belt! It is no wonder why so many young people either don’t go to college after high school or drop out once there. Young people all over our nation are burned out and could benefit from a year off. Now this is not saying a gap year will be easy. The experience is just different. Gap years enable young people to renew their mind and find new perspectives that a school may not be able to teach them.
2. No Direction
There is a serious epidemic within higher education right now concerning majors and the lack thereof. A study done by researchers at the University of LaVerne found that, “50%-70% of students change their majors at least once, most will change majors at least 3 times before they graduate.”* Then to top it off, many of those students end up never actually using their degrees once they do graduate. It is a vicious cycle that wastes time and money. Gap years allow students to gain insight into areas they have strength in and to also uncover what they are truly passionate about. Students who decide to take a gap year are more inclined to go to a University and finish in 4 years because they have an end goal in mind.
3. Introspection and Self-Awareness
Gap years enable students to take time for themselves and come to a deeper understanding of who they are and what they can give of themselves. In most gap years, young people have the opportunity to serve less fortunate communities which brings about reflection and maturity. Most students go into communities thinking they are going to help someone when they, themselves, are the ones who are the most impacted.
4. Travel and Real Life Experience
There is a massive difference between traveling for a getaway verses traveling with a
purpose. A gap year allows students to engage and immerse themselves in a culture that is sure to alter their perceptions in a positive way. Students will be able to have real life experiences such as living away from home, shopping for themselves and budgeting while also doing it in the context of an entirely new culture. Learning is sure to take place and revelations concerning world views will follow.
5. Trying Something New
Heraclitus, a Greek Philosopher, once wrote, “Change is the only constant.” We cannot avoid change. It will always follow us no matter how much we try and avoid it. Change can often go hand-in-hand with adventure and doing things outside the box. Trying new things allows people to live life to its fullest and to have lasting memories. Gap years are catalyst of change and doing the unexpected. It is about breaking down barriers, unleashing who you are, giving a helping hand, gaining wisdom and having a whole lot of fun while you are at it. A gap year could be one of the greatest experiences-catapulting you to a brighter tomorrow. So now that you know a little more about what a gap year has to offer, what are you waiting for? There is a life-changing year with your name written all over it.