As graduation approaches and I find myself scrambling to fill out job applications, I also find myself envying those I know who are taking a gap year. Whether you are getting ready to graduate or are still a few years away, all students should consider taking a gap year after graduating from college. I understand that many people, myself included, don't have the chance at a year off between college and the working world. But if you do, think about doing something else for a little while.
Taking a gap year allows you to take a break. For the last four years you have been studying, writing essays, working odd jobs around campus and just generally stretching yourself as thin as you can while still passing your classes. You can finally catch up on that well-deserved you time.
During this time to yourself you could spend a little extra time at the gym, volunteer at the local animal shelter, spend a little extra time with family or even take a class for fun.
I know it might sound crazy because I was just explaining how stressful classes can be, but taking classes for fun is a lot different from taking classes as a requirement.
Instead of taking classes like trigonometry and analytic geometry, you could consider taking a course on painting, bowling or yoga.
If you aren’t interested in taking any more courses and you have the means to do so, traveling is another great way to spend your time during a gap year.
Go Over Seas is a program designed for students taking a gap year to give them the opportunity to travel the world and gain new experiences. The program gives you the opportunity to visit places like Spain, Costa Rica, Canada and Korea.
The programs are all different depending on where you choose to go, but a few of the activities involve learning a new language, helping to teach classes or even taking courses in outdoor adventures.
If you are anything like me, you may have thought that you would have your future career planned out by the end of your senior year. Well, as I’ve found out, that’s not always the case.
Taking a gap year allows you more time to figure out what you want out of a career. Taking the extra time to test the waters in various part-time positions or internships might help give you a little insight on what you may or may not want in your future career.
So if you’re finding yourself overwhelmed by all the job searches, studying and constant questioning by your family about your plans for after graduation, consider what benefits a gap year could bring you. Whether you choose to travel, take a few classes or work at that quirky-sounding internship, enjoy yourself and don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments and the fact that you are a college graduate.
