Unpopular Option: Gap Years

The 2018-19 school year is slowly coming to an end and it is time for the graduating class to finalize their decisions on the next steps of their lives; whether it is attending university or taking a gap year.

Gap year or sabbatical year was first introduced in the 1960s, with the primary purpose of exchanging ideas and cultures to “deter” potential future wars from occurring (source). In modern society, taking a gap year is typically a year between after high school and university where an individual travels, works or does anything that she or he wants to do. Although this is not a popular option amongst the seniors in the school, there are a few students considering this option.

Senior Gino Z. notes that the “real reason” why he will be taking a gap year is because he finds it “annoying” to apply for universities right after graduating high-school. He would rather travel the world and participate in things that the school did not offer such as an internship or working to build experiences that can help pave the way for his future. Another senior Thomas B. comments that he believes the whole idea of taking a gap year is “underrated” and believes that the negative perceptions towards students who take gap years are undeserved.

Taking a gap year may seem like an interesting choice to make, however, there are several risks that follow up to this decision. For instance, you might lose your “academic momentum,” it’s costly and you might be “wasting valuable time,” which you could be using to pursue higher education in the field of your interest (source). But at the same time, you could discover your hidden passion, meet new people, experience cultural exchange or even earn some money.

In my opinion, although taking a gap year may be risky and unpredictable, but it is definitely an option that more people around the world should consider. Take a break from studying, see the world, experience life-long valuable lessons and so forth — taking a gap year can offer various opportunities after high-school. What are your thoughts? Comments down below!