The child taking a year off before college could be a proposal that could maybe be the source of nightmares to parents. But let’s face it, the trend is on a rise. And in distant future most students would like to take ‘ time off ‘ after high school or before a graduate program. The time off is often called ‘gap year’ and in this period a student can choose to work or travel as per their interest. The practice has gained momentum in countries like UK and Australia and is surfacing in the US. The concept is totally alien in some other countries like India. World class universities like Harvard and Princeton actually encourage students to take up the gap year before joining for the their respective academic programs.
Is it a good idea?
The world today is far more competitive than before. Students no doubt are put to the pinnacles of tension and stress during peak periods of their academics lives like finishing high school and sitting for the competitive exams to get into the college of their choice. From one peak they are again subjected to another period of stress. Every human being needs rest and relaxation and especially in the early stages of life, prolonged periods of stress will lead to inefficiency frustration and depression. As a student, the person needs some time to think about what they really want to do with their future and how they want their lives to be. But these decisions can only be taken when they are relaxed and doing something they like, and not when they are under the constant snare of a number of assignments and competitive examinations. So, institutions are now encouraging the gap year at crucial points of academic life; when they can actually take their time to reflect on their likes and lives.
The gap year thus, does not mean that the student is simply whiling away time doing something that is not worthwhile. On the contrary it just makes them more focused, provides a refreshing break and makes them ready for rigorous college life. Statistics have shown that students who have taken a gap year were more likely to complete their course. Just getting into college is not enough. The degree can only be obtained if all the years are successfully done. Gap years (which are allowed only one at a time) ensure that students are equipped to meet all their academic years with the right perspective.
What are the possibilities?
1. Volunteer abroad
There are many organisations that offer chances to students for voluntary services abroad. These services can be in summer camps, children’s schools, AIDS and relief centers. Volunteering takes some amount of hard work and dedication but it will definitely help them to learn a new culture.
2. Get a job
You can get a job and save money for your college expenses. A new job can also help you learn a new skill and help you earn new interpersonal skills
3. Travel
If you love to travel and explore new cultures you can take up travelling and see a part of the world. This would give you a whole new set of experiences.
4. Time for yourself
A gap year is primarily to reflect on what you want to do with your life further on. Take time to think about your future and what kind of person you really are. Decide which discipline of study you really want to follow during this time.
5. Lessen your chances of social pitfalls during college
People who have wider experiences and have better skills are less likely to be shunned or subjected to pitfalls in college. You can develop skills and gain new experiences to better your chances of college life.
What parents can do?
Parents can assist the decisions taken up by their kids and advice them if needed. The gap year is not a time for a student to escape from writing the entrance exams at the right time. Neither is it a time to simply while away. Parents make sure that the choice of activity taken up by the students is appropriate and is the best for them. The gap year is indeed essential for students and if spent wisely can be immensely rewarding.
