Introduction
A “gap year” is the year before entering college or another educational institution, when a student spends time traveling, having fun, studying, and working. Some students choose to extend the year after high school to relax and feel free. But even in such a long pause, there can be both advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits
Among the advantages of a gap year, the following can be singled out: the opportunity to participate in projects and programs of external assistance; learning life lessons in real life; increasing the level of motivation to continue learning; acquiring additional skills that may be useful in the future; gaining experience and professional development; and building new and valuable connections. Many young people use this time to study topics that interest them or to visit places they have always wanted to visit (Tron, 2019). It can also be a great way to enrich your academic experience and improve your personal skills.
Drawbacks
However, this year also has disadvantages, such as high costs for travel, accommodation, and education; the inability to continue studies and obtain a degree during this period; the difficulty of gaining access to jobs that require long-term commitment; and the difficulty of regaining student success after an extended period of absence from the classroom. Sometimes, people may feel the need to start a professional career or pursue education, and taking a year off may negatively impact their spiritual state (Tron, 2019). Additionally, some individuals can become trapped in a yearly cycle of downtime, losing their purpose and motivation to move forward.
Conclusion
Generally, a “gap year” has several advantages and disadvantages. Although many people believe that the senior year of high school is becoming obsolete, it remains a significant milestone in today’s society. Although students may choose to embark on a professional career or continue their studies immediately after high school, senior year remains a valuable opportunity for those who want to expand their horizons and achieve professional success in the future.
Reference
Tron, G. (2019). The impact of learning experience to career exploration among gap year takers.