For high school seniors, there seems to be a clear graduation plan for many. Most decide they are ready for college, while some have a family-owned business or even a trade school they are preparing for. Although it is common to have a plan for post-graduate education, some are hoping to take a year or more to find out what they are truly interested in.
High school offers a good variety of interests, but many students still struggle to find their passion. Many of these students take what is known as a gap year to truly find themselves.
“Gap years give you time to learn who you really are before rushing into a career you might not want to pursue,” stated Trinity alumnus Nathaniel Poach, who is currently taking a gap year.
Although a gap year might seem like an excuse to ignore education, in reality, it allows oneself to genuinely find what their purpose is.
Another benefit to utilizing a gap year is to gain experience in the workforce. Even if the job that one is applying for is not their passion, it can be a temporary opportunity to improve and gain experience. Not only that, but making money to put aside for college or another purpose is extremely beneficial.
“A gap year doesn’t mean a one year break, it means you’re taking a step back from the school process to learn more about the world and what to work towards,” noted Poach.
A gap year may sound enticing; however, it may delay the college experience and make it more difficult to take the collegiate path. When going to college directly after high school, students receive assistance from counselors, administrators and teachers that simplify and guide the path to the college of choice. If a gap year is taken, it is a much more difficult process.
Guidance Counselor Mr. Poletti stated,“Gap years could be risky for many reasons. The one I’d say is the most difficult factor for many is the fact that you are out of the school rhythm. For example, you aren’t used to the main classes taken in high school, like science and math, and many forget it after a year off. Whereas when going straight to college it is more fresh in the mind.”
Many feel as though gap years are unprofessional, but they have profited many notable celebrities. A variety of successful entrepreneurs such as Steve Jobs and Elon Musk have taken gap years before or during college, gaining beneficial growth creatively and professionally.
There are many factors one must consider before making a decision for their post-graduate year, whether it be a negative or positive component. Some may be questioning if they want to work, take time off or even travel in search of their passion. They also must take into consideration if they want to wait on their college experience, if they want to figure it out on their own without the help of school staff, and what else they may regret later in their lives.
Poach added, “I needed to be sure I considered the career I wanted to pursue, what I’d be doing in my spare time, and if it was the most logical step for me in the position I was in at the time.”
A gap year may be exactly what is needed for a senior to find their future career. If one doesn’t know what they want to do in life and need more time, a gap year is always a great option to consider.
