Not everyone knows exactly what they want to be studying in college right out of highschool, let alone if college is even the next step for them to take. The pressure to do so is also hard to ignore, as it seems like everyone else around has their whole life planned out and it seems that you should too. Let’s drop that notion — taking the time to figure out what is right for you does not mean you are going to be playing catch up for the rest of your life. Focusing on what the right next step for you is will only reinforce your abilities down the line; your college experience does not have to be so cookie-cutter, or even exist at all! When it comes to your future, there are several ways a gap year can be meaningful for you and an asset on your resume.
It is not uncommon for students to grow increasingly stressed as they get older. More responsibilities in life, more expectations in school, along with all the worries of being a young adult. Topping that with asking for an answer to what you want to study and do for the rest of your life can definitely be scary. If you are not sure if college is right for you, a gap year could serve as a time for you to get real life experience, and see how you fit into the world and what other paths may lead to. For example, this could mean a part-time or a full-time job that exposes you to an assortment of career paths and life styles. It would also be worth the time to consider trade school, joining the union, or even the military. All of these options may have more to offer you as an individual than a college degree. However, if you know your future is a little more contingent on a higher degree, a gap year could serve you in a different way.
Having no idea what you want to study when you get to college is more common than you think. Why not work on figuring it out before a full course load? A gap year could allow you to take a step back and try new things without so much pressure to be giving an answer so soon. Taking a class or two at your local community college to explore your interests is becoming more popular for good reason. It exposes you to different fields of interest to see what you’re good at and what you like.
Another beneficial way to spend your time would could also be taking up a part-time job and a bit of networking. Earning some money, whether it’s for now or later, can offer you support while reaching out to or shadowing professionals. This way you can learn more about particular jobs, and personal experiences on how they got there and what it is like to work in certain professions.
A gap year doesn’t even have to lead to college or a career path. It could simply be for life experience. Maybe you’ve been itching to have a different type of meaningful experience, the kind of stuff that isn’t graded by other people or compared to the national average… Just something that you prioritize as an individual. Traveling, philanthropic work, and fulfilling personal dreams, goals, or projects are always worthwhile. Coming up with a plan and dedicating your time to things that you find meaningful and worthwhile only needs to satisfy what you want in life, and has just as much to offer.