Gap Year: A Teen's Eye View

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The decision of whether to embark on a university/college education immediately after high school or to take a gap year to travel or study is a topic of great interest and relevance in today's society. I've been thinking about what to do after I finish high school. Some of my friends are going straight to college, but I'm considering taking a year off before starting my degree. I think taking a "gap year" could be a good idea. It gives you time to learn and grow before more studying.

When I brought up the topic with my friends, we had an engaging discussion about the pros and cons of taking time off between high school and college. I was curious to hear if my friends thought a gap year should be focused on additional studying to boost college applications or if the time should be used for enjoyment through travel and new experiences. Most of my friends felt strongly that favoring enjoyment over academics would provide greater long-term benefits.

They reasoned that the college admission process puts so much emphasis on grades and test scores during the high-pressure senior year. While extracurricular studying may help boost applications, it comes at the cost of a much-needed break.  Firstly, international travel provides incredible opportunities for personal and intellectual growth that cannot be replicated within a classroom. Navigating foreign countries independently develops life skills like independence, flexibility, cultural understanding, and problem-solving in real-world scenarios. Memories from these trips can last a lifetime, while classes and grades will fade in significance over time.

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Spending months volunteering abroad, interning, studying a new language, or simply backpacking leads to self-discoveries that could inspire new passions and future opportunities.

Engaging in volunteer work abroad allows a hands-on experience that can cultivate empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility toward global issues. Internships during a gap year not only enhance skills and knowledge but also help in building a professional network. They offer a chance to explore career interests, confirming or redirecting one's path before one commits to a specific educational track. Colleges may even look kindly upon a well-spent gap year, impressed by an applicant's demonstrated maturity, global perspective, and drive gained from meaningful adventures overseas.

A gap year dedicated to study can also be highly beneficial. It allows individuals to explore their academic interests, gain practical skills, or prepare for specific career paths. During this time, one could take specialized courses, engage in internships, or participate in research projects related to one's desired field. This focused study period could provide a solid foundation for future academic pursuits and enhance the overall learning experience. It allows students to approach college or university with a clearer sense of direction, as they have had the chance to explore and develop their academic interests during the gap year.

Taking a gap year, whether for travel or study, can provide numerous benefits. Traveling allows individuals to broaden their horizons, develop important life skills, and gain cultural understanding. On the other hand, a gap year dedicated to study can offer academic exploration, practical skills development, and a clearer sense of direction.  Considering the perspectives of my friends, it is apparent that many support enjoying life during a gap year to explore personal interests and discover passions.

Personally, if I do end up deciding to take a gap year, one thing I'm really excited about is using that time to learn new languages. Not only do I believe it will be beneficial for my future studies, but it's also a hobby of mine. I enjoy the challenge of mastering new vocabulary, grammar rules, and pronunciation. It's like solving a puzzle or unlocking a secret code. I believe it will not only enhance my academic skills but also broaden my horizons and make me a more well-rounded individual.

Images: Zonaira Ali, Pexels

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