A gap year is an academic year break taken by a student between high school and college.

After a long four-year four school high school experience, I was left with a slightly below average grade point average, average ACT score, and no idea who I was or where I wanted to go in life. After numerous Google searches and discussions with family members, I decided that a gap year would be the perfect option for me. Little did I know the wild experiences that would follow.

I went to my first Taylor Swift concert in Chicago, Illinois, an amazing trip to Jamaica, moved to Tampa, Florida, and began working at Anthropologie before 2015 was over.

I went on my first date and eventually began dating, and knowing him changed everything. Being a tall awkward girl who never had much confidence, having someone who genuinely enjoyed my company and swept me off my feet gave me something I had never experienced before. I learned how to be with someone and later how to be alone.

This summer I became an Au Pair for a family in Milan, Italy. I gained a lot of knowledge as well as real life experience, being responsible for children's fun summer days kept me on my toes. I was also able to navigate the beautiful city of Milan by myself. Before leaving, I thought that I would have a hard time being away from friends and family for two months, but thankfully I was able to leave and not get too homesick.

I begin my freshman year at Rochester College within a few days and I can honestly say that I am prepared. I have learned more about myself in the past year than I have my entire life, and for that, I will forever be thankful. I learned that it's OK to feel lost, you will find yourself; it's OK to be vulnerable, that it doesn't make you weak. I learned perspective, things that I saw as the end of the world during my years in high school seem so minuscule now. I suggest considering taking a gap year to anyone who may feel trapped, lost, or scared about their future.