Why It's Okay To Take A Gap Year
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why It's Okay To Take A Gap Year

It's becoming popular to take a year or semester off after high school.

168
Why It's Okay To Take A Gap Year
VergeCampus

The practice of taking a gap year has become increasingly popular in the last few years. Even President Obama’s daughter Malia is deferring her admission to Harvard University. There are people who say gap years aren’t a good thing and that a student who takes a year or semester off before enrolling in college are less likely to complete a bachelor’s than those who entered college right after high school.

To be honest, taking a gap year or semester is good for several reasons. For me, when I graduated from high school, I was burnt out from all the academic coursework and social atmosphere I was forced to be in. As someone who has a disability which can force me to be an introvert at times, I need time to myself after dealing with people (especially my peers) for so long. I already had three colleges I hoped to attend and the results were denials, waitlists and not finishing an application. So, I was forced to attend the local community college. I'm not bashing community college, but I was personally not all that interested in going to one for several reasons.

I eventually withdrew from the college and took a semester off before going away to a college in Massachusetts in August of 2015. One of the main reasons I stopped going to community college was because I was confused (with what I wanted to do with my life) as well as suffering from brief chronic depression where I’d rather stay reclusive. My time off from school allowed me to recharge for a bit and prioritize my college plans. I no longer wanted to major in Music Business or Audio Production and really fell in love the idea of being a Communications major, which I am now. I was also able to find a school that was reasonably far and did not deny me on the basis of my very terrible SAT Scores.

While I didn’t get a job, I think taking a year off after high school is a good idea, or even a semester if you don’t want to be home for too long. There are programs for gap year kids or you could get a job at the local Target or Starbucks. If you have the means, go out and travel the world or the country. Many of my friends from college told me they took a year or semester to figure out what they wanted to do. In the end, you won’t be judged how long it takes it to get there, but for not getting there at all.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

7627
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

940031
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

116501
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments