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Trust Me, You Won't Miss Gaps By Taking a 'Gap Year'

High school seniors, if you're not quite sure about going straight into college, let me assure you that taking a gap year is such a good idea and it will allow you to be more successful in college once you do go!

Toni McClain

Sep 02, 2019

Arizona State University

Trust Me, You Won't Miss Gaps By Taking a 'Gap Year'

Photo by Toni McClain

Before my senior year of high school, I thought the idea of taking a gap year was ridiculous. I did not struggle in school, I wanted to be at college more than anything and I felt like if I ended up taking a year off that I would never go back. However, I totally proved myself wrong and now I am way more excited to be at school and learn than ever before. If you're considering taking a gap year, you absolutely should and here's why!

You can give yourself a well-deserved break from school.

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You just spent the last 12+ years going to school every year, let yourself breathe a little bit! Your brain will thank you.

It’s the perfect time to travel!

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There are tons of gap year travel programs you can sign up for, but if you're on a budget then you have so much time to work until you can afford to go somewhere epic!

College is expensive, so why waste your money taking classes if you don’t even know what you want to do?

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If you're in between majors or literally have no idea what you want to do when you grow up, then take a year to figure it out. I guarantee you'll learn more about yourself during your gap year than you would at a university.

Working a full time job definitely makes you a lot more mature and responsible.

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Plus, you're going to make tons of money. Who doesn't love money?

It’s a great chance to build up your resume.

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Do some volunteer work, try out a few jobs or internships, or do traveling volunteer activity. Colleges and jobs would love to see this out of young people.

Didn’t get into the schools you wanted? That’s okay!

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Try re-applying during your gap year. This is a second chance for you to win them over with new essays and a more well-rounded and better-presented application.

Spend some time with your family.

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Watching children move away from home is one of the hardest things parents ever go through, but most of them would love to spend just one more year with their kids!

Take some time to find a new hobby or skill.

Photo by Toni McClain

In your newly found free time on your gap year, you could learn to paint, start going on runs or get a new furry friend. The possibilities are endless!

Give yourself some time to relax and be stress free.

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High school might have been very stressful for you. Between homework, sports, work, school, clubs, whatever you did, treat yourself quite a bit with removing the stress from your life

You won’t be hating school once you go back.

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Take it from me, I am just starting up my freshman year after taking a gap year. I have never felt readier to learn, succeed and follow my dreams than ever!

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Recommended for you

Trust Me, You Won't Miss Gaps By Taking a 'Gap Year'

High school seniors, if you're not quite sure about going straight into college, let me assure you that taking a gap year is such a good idea and it will allow you to be more successful in college once you do go!

You can give yourself a well-deserved break from school.

It’s the perfect time to travel!

College is expensive, so why waste your money taking classes if you don’t even know what you want to do?

Working a full time job definitely makes you a lot more mature and responsible.

It’s a great chance to build up your resume.

Didn’t get into the schools you wanted? That’s okay!

Spend some time with your family.

Take some time to find a new hobby or skill.

Give yourself some time to relax and be stress free.

You won’t be hating school once you go back.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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