Why are seniors thinking of gap years?

The term gap year is defined as the year-long break between high school and university. In modern society, this so-called break is mentioned as seniors lose their motivation due to huge amounts of pressure and stress. This year, I have heard from many upperclassmen, that several of our seniors are thinking about taking gap years. I decided to interview both seniors and counselors of their opinions and biases about taking gap years.

Zoe L., a female senior stated how she feels “the major reason for gap years is caused by the stress and pressure we receive” and that they “need a break” from everything. To clarify: she refers everything as academics and that a “break” from the unhealthy stress they receive from their parents and family is needed. She even commented how at this point in her life, she wants to almost give up on her IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma). Zoe L.’s comment did not surprise me at all, as I have a sister in her senior year and I always see her sleep late, tired and almost uninspired almost all the time.

Thoms B., a male senior at AISG, states how he feels that “[they] are too young to enter university, and they lack in experience”, and how he is almost afraid to be independent. He wants a break in between so he can gain more experience by working in places such as convenient stores and cafes that could assist him with financial management in the future. He also commented how “we as international students have different lifestyle as most local students in universities,” and how it will be hard to adapt to the new environment when attending university. This is why he encourages students like us gap years, so we can have time to get used to the overall condition and new environment. One of the many reasons why I have feared to go back to Korea for university was because I always felt like a stranger in my home country. Koreans act differently, eat differently, learn differently than I.

To receive an opinion from an expert, I interviewed Ms. Brown, one of our counselors at AISG. She supports the idea of gap years, however, will only suggest it to students with “good” reasons. For example, she stated that gap years are helpful when it comes to gaining experience in workplaces through internships and participating in community services. She stated: “gap years are time students could spend knowing about themselves as they enter adulthood” and that simply resting and hanging around with friends will do nothing but worsen situations. Wanting a “break” from stress is simply not the greatest reason for gap years, as nothing will be accomplished during the time period.

In conclusion, there were many different reasons from seniors on why students might want to take gap years, and it was proven that this year-long break could be effective and useful, if spent time gaining experience, learning about the world and oneself and many more. Please comment down below on your opinions on gap years!