More and more, American high school graduates are taking a year off of school before starting their college career. Whether a gap year is taken to travel, work, take a break from the classroom, grow individually, or for any other reason, their growing popularity is undeniable. My gap year was not planned until a few months before I graduated and was not exactly intentional, but I learned quite a bit from it.
1. Sometimes life stands still. Work with it.
I had times throughout my gap year where I was doing nothing but going to work. During these times, I was bored. Like, really bored. However, I was able to get creative in finding ways to stay excited about life. The number of recipes and Pinterest DIYs I attempted (and failed) is astronomical. Making something of the down times instilled a great resourcefulness within me.
2. An open mind is one of the greatest guides.
Life is so much more intriguing when a person, place, or experience isn't immediately written off because it's different. During my gap year, I met and traveled with people who I probably wouldn't have given a second thought had I met them in any other circumstance. By going in with an open mind, I made wonderful connections
3. Pushing yourself can be one of the most rewarding experiences.
Without failure, every time I camp or even sleep outside, I end up with a fever the next day. Sleeping in a 'swag' in the Australian outback was no exception. The next day when my fever was raging, we had a hike to a swimming hole scheduled. I had already promised myself I would experience everything I could, so I pushed through the hike, which was about a three-hour trip. It was awful, but the destination ended up being one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen. The fact that I had pushed myself harder than I thought possible to get there made it even more beautiful.
4. Generally speaking, people are nice.
I've always been one to avoid strangers if possible. There's nothing I hate more than getting an adverse reaction from someone during our first, and often only, exchange. Over my gap year, I met hundreds if not thousands of new people, and I think I could count the bad interactions on one hand. More often than not, those I met would actually go out of their way to be kind. People are not things we need to fear.
5. You will find more success if you are yourself, not who you think people want you to be.
I have a confession to make. During my gap year, I actually did take one class at a community college. I don't think I've ever been a part of such a diverse group. Numerous religions, races, classes, and political persuasions were represented. At the beginning of the class, I often found myself nodding along to whatever people said, but about halfway through, I began asserting my own thoughts, and not only was I happier, but I was also respected more by my peers for actually speaking up, even if they didn't agree with the things I said.
6. Never turn down an opportunity to try something new.
If you ask me, the more variety in experiences one has, the better. While I was coming down from the fever mentioned in number three, I had a very bad case of the sniffles. An aboriginal Australian man who was acting as our guide for the day encouraged me to inhale the smell released by crushed ants to clear my nose. Did it work? No, but I now have a great story to tell others because I didn't turn down the experience.
7. Always be generous, no matter how much or how little you have.
During my time in Australia, I had the opportunity to spend a day with kids from Save the Children. The thing that sticks with me the most from that day is how generous they are with the other kids and even us. It was around Easter time, so we set out chocolate eggs for them to collect. Without regard for how many eggs anyone had, the kids were offering theirs to others. Older children with just two eggs would give their chocolates to the younger ones who had handfuls without even batting an eyelash. We could all learn from these kids.
8. Learn as much as you can about everything.
I had a decent amount of free time during my gap year. Given that I wasn't in school, I often used that time to acquire a knowledge of something new. I learned (but didn't retain) beginner French, and I could probably give a week of lectures on Jonestown and People's Temple. A sense of wonder about the world in which we live is vital, especially as we grow older.
9. Focus on yourself.
Yes, it is OK to do this, and so often people forget to do so. One of the reasons I took a gap year in the first place was to grow as a person and, sorry to be cliche, to find myself. Actually taking some time to think about my needs and my mental, physical, and spiritual well-being helped me become a better, more self-aware person.
10. Family is not something to be taken for granted.
When I was in Australia, I spent Easter away from my family. It was my first time missing a major holiday. I was then hospitalized for two weeks on the other side of the world (that's a whole other story), and all I could think about was my family. Being away during such a scary time has helped me value them so much more, even when they make me want to rip my hair out.
