Posted May 17, 2010
The Gap Year. No, it’s not the period of your life when you restrict your wardrobe to pieces purchased at the same-named store at the local mall in a failed effort to be more hip.
The gap year is a break that some students choose to take between high school and college, or before transitioning from school to a career or a job. If you think about it, a gap year is almost like a prolonged bachelor party, minus all the debauchery—because you’re in transition between commitments.
If you’re just about to graduate high school, you’re definitely thinking about what is to come, constantly wondering about the future: will you chase your dream of being a writer, a doctor, an actor, a cook or professional babysitter? While many people choose to enroll in college, if you're not sure what you want, it’s actually pretty brave and bold to take a step back and make sure you're setting out on whatever is the right path for you.
Your parents, friends, and guidance counselors can only help you so far. Unfortunately, the only person who knows what is best for you is you. And sometimes it just takes time to find out what you want. If you're planning to take a gap year to figure out what you want to do with your life, here are some ideas for how to use the time productively.
Set reasonable goals. You can’t have it all. You can’t watch all the movies on your Netflix queue, have an active social life, work at the library, learn karate, take up a second language, travel the globe, and raise a family of gerbils all in one year. Pick one or two things that are important for you and pursue those. The other things can come later. Keep it simple, like Martha Stewart. If your job will interfere with your videogame-playing time, consider the pros and cons, and keep your mind on the bigger picture.
Own your year. A gap year is a gift of time, and it should be appreciated. Don’t waste your time doing nothing; do everything you’ve dreamed of for the four years you were stuck behind gum-spotted desks. Own your year and make the best of it—even if it means doing smaller-scale things, like painting each day or getting through a list of books you’ve decided should be your required reading. Take ownership of your year and make it count. That means your gap year should have nothing to do with playing World of Warcraft in your underwear.
Wander. Many people choose to travel during their gap years. Traveling is great; it opens your mind and your taste buds. Even if you don't have money to go abroad, consider smaller trips. Pay a visit to a cousin who lives in California, look into volunteer vacations, or build houses with Habitat for Humanity. Remember that traveling doesn’t necessarily mean journeying across the ocean.
Work out. It’s important to keep active and to challenge yourself physically. Exercise produces endorphins, which keep you happy. Take spinning classes or join a running group to gear up for a local marathon. You’ll probably get a free t-shirt out of that, which is good, since you'll be too broke to shop at stores like The Gap during your gap year. If you’re too timid to join an organized team, trying going to the gym and shooting hoops. Soon, you’ll be friendly with enough people to start some pick-up basketball games.
Help. Volunteering is one of the few ways to meet people in an environment that does not involve spending money. Volunteering also gives you something to do that requires putting on pants, which will be vital to making your year successful. If you’re into words, see if there’s an 826 in your hood. Turn to the internet, Google the good, you’ll find plenty of opportunities.
Be yourself. In high school, people are often pressured into playing certain roles. Perhaps you were the class clown. Maybe you were the star football player, or the quiet emo kid. High school's over now, and you're free to try on new identities if you want to. Branch out of our comfort zone and don’t feel pressure to be any certain way—just be you. Consider doing the opposite of what you did in high school. If you’re shy, try singing in public. If you’re an artist, think about athletics. If you’re an American Idol junkie, try watching some animal documentaries. Expand your activity palette.
Study what interests you. Learning shouldn't stop just because you’re out of school. Think about taking a computer class at community college—maybe light HTML will come in handy during your future career. Like comics? Think about taking a graphic art class. Are you freaking hilarious? Check out comedy clubs and see if there are some improv classes around (they are great ways to meet cute, quirky people, too). Learning doesn’t have to be as boring as it was in high school. Now you’re free to choose your classes—if you want, the rest of your life can be filled with fun electives.
By: Ashley Spencer
Tags: graduation, college, high school, gap year, transition, graduation guide
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