I Just Might Want a ‘Gap Year’

Graduation is right around the corner. Whether you’re getting your high school diploma or walking out with some form of postsecondary degree or certificate, most of you have decided on the next steps in your life. Some of you are going on to community college for the first time, some of you have been accepted into 4-year programs, a few more are going to graduate school, and some will enter the workforce. But, for those of you who are undecided or unsure what you really want to do…

Have you ever considered taking a gap year?

A gap year is an extended period of time, like a semester or maybe even a year, that students take off before enrolling in more school. It’s essentially taking a breather from school. According to Tricia Taormina, a columnist at the Huffington Post, “Gap time is meant to revitalize your mind – to avoid the burnout that can accompany immediately taking on more intense coursework.”

HOWEVER, this is not a time when you just sit around the house, letting your parents or significant other pick of the bills. No, the point of this time off from school is that you use it to better yourself. In her article, Gap Years: What Is A Gap Year Before College (And Should You Take One)?, Tricia Taormina interviews Robin Pendoley, Co-Founder and CEO of the gap year program Thinking Beyond Borders. Pendoley states that "A well-designed gap year helps [people] find direction, purpose, and passion for their learning.... They can return to school [or a career] with a clear understanding of the opportunity it represents to become an expert in an area the [person] is truly passionate about and committed to."

A gap year may or may not be right for you, but it could be worth considering if you are feeling stressed or burnt-out. Be prepared, should you choose to take a gap year: not everyone will be 100% supportive of your choice. If you are planning on sitting around on your couch all day every day, we aren’t supportive of your choice either! On the other hand, if you are going to use your time off to broaden your experiences, clear your head, and make yourself a better person, then we say go for it.

READERS, what do you think?

If you decided to take a gap year, what would you do?

AND… answer Facebook poll about taking a ‘gap year’ HERE .