Something that unsettled me even before I entered college in 2011 was the idea high school seniors need to jump right into college and make decisions that'll pave their careers for the rest of their lives. College seemed like a sort of career factory where you spent four years studying your butt off with a guaranteed job at the end.
The times have changed; It's not that simple anymore. Gap years and breaks in the middle of college are becoming more common among millennials, and with good reason.
[List of gap year-friendly institutions]
To those who can afford it, high school will be jam-packed with extracurricular activities to dress up your résumé and college applications. Sports, band, choir, SAT prep, and all sorts of clubs will take up your time, leaving you so fulfilled yet so exhausted. This applies to undergrads who are already in college and feel the drag of university life.
Whether you're a senior in high school or sophomore in college, consider taking a time out to avoid the burnout.
Benefits of a gap year include:
1. Time to step back and reflect on your goals.
When asked what was a benefit of taking a year off in the middle of college, fourth-year student Elizar Mercado, 22, answered, "Time to think. You have time to settle down and actually figure out what you want to do."
Without the pressure of classes and academic activities, you'll have an easier time developing a plan for your future.
2. Opportunity to work and/or intern.
Maybe you don't want to laze around and spend eight hours a day marathoning "Gilmore Girls" (at least not every day). Getting a job or a paid internship will help you build your résumé and rake in some money so you can start saving up. You'll gain skills you won't learn inside a classroom and boost your confidence when you go into the working world after college.
The job I had during my break helped me gain confidence and work diligently under pressure.
3. Dedicate time to your passions.
Sometimes you just need to find yourself in what motivated you before textbooks and essays took over your life. A great way to recharge and revitalize your inspiration is to pick up your favorite hobbies or pick up some new ones! You could learn some life skills to prepare you for that mysterious time called "adulthood". Learn the mechanics of a car, take some cooking lessons, and figure out how to do your own taxes.
Most of all, find your inspiration. Read the list of books you've been meaning to conquer. Travel. Dabble in painting or start a journal.
4. Higher motivation and vigor when you return to school.
"I was more ready than before," Elizar said. "I already knew what I was expected to do when I got back."
Studies have shown an increase of performance in students who take a gap year. This is more applicable to those who take breaks after a year or two in college because they already know how the system works. Don't worry if you're taking a break right after high school though! If you really want that education, you'll be itching to hit the books by the time your break is over.
5. Self-care.
If you're going through a hard time, personal issues, and/or just feel lost, this period will give you an opportunity to relax and deal with those problems. It's hard to see the path you want to take when there are obstacles in the way. Take time to cope and treat yourself.
Before you take a gap year, have a plan. Think about whether you'll sign up for a gap year program, apply for a job, or take some much needed personal time to chill for a bit.
What's important is that you do this at your own pace. There shouldn't be a rush to finish college as soon as possible. There's no shame in taking a year, two years, or even ten years off.
For me personally, taking a year-long break after my sophomore year was the best decision I ever made. It was hard convincing my parents that it was beneficial and that I wasn't quitting school for good, but in the end, I returned to school happier, more ready to learn, and more dedicated.
