So you’ve read the title of this article, and you’ve wondered: why would I ever take a semester off from school? Usually, when a student takes a semester off, they didn’t ever think they were going to; never thought something would come up that would cause it to happen. But more and more these days, students are taking a break from the rigorous college life. Why? Here are some reasons that Studenomics gives:
- To save money and start paying off loans.
- To rest and “recharge” from the constant stress that is being a full-time student with possible extracurricular activities and/or work.
- To explore and experience the work world.
- Because you've lost interest in school.
All of these are valid reasons for taking a semester off. More and more students are doing it, and although I never thought I would be one of those students, I suddenly am. My reason falls under Studenomics #2 reason. Last semester and the winter break left me anxious for the coming semester. When I finally went to school and began attending classes, I looked at all the work I once again had to do with the expectation of doing my very best, and an enormous amount of anxiety built in my chest. I suddenly became legitimately fearful of school. Just looking at my syllabi caused my eyes to well up with tears. I never thought this would happen, just as someone who never thought they would lose interest in college life. It just happens. I am here to tell you, whoever you are, whether you are contemplating taking a semester off or not, that it is OK.
It’s OK to focus on you and to put yourself first. It’s OK to recharge instead of being a nervous wreck for every paper and exam you have. I’ve learned this the hard way, because I truly do love school; I love my school and the life I lead there with my friends, my team, and my classes. But realizing that my health was more important made the decision to take a semester off much more easy and made up for everything I loved and that I would be putting off for a few months.
Here’s the reality of taking a semester off: you’re home. You’re resting or you’re working. You’re doing things you normally wouldn’t do because of schoolwork. You’re focusing on you. And coming from someone who is currently in this situation, I can tell you that it is one of the most important decisions you can make for yourself. I am here to tell you that if the thought even merely creeps into your head, it’s OK. Because no matter what, you’ll figure out what you want to do. The future will come no matter what, it’s just a matter of what you want to do with the time between then and now…and if you know what you want, and you think taking a semester off won’t interfere with that, then do it. I did, and so have others. I am returning to my school in the fall, and my university has had no issue with my taking time off, and in most cases, no other university will. No matter what choice you make, you are not alone. College is not the same for everyone; not everyone has the same experience and that’s OK. What’s important is that you make that experience your own, whether or not you decide to take a breather and make your main focus you.
