The Online Newspaper of Lakewood High School

Lakewood Times

Lakewood Times

Lakewood Times

    Taking a Gap Year

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    When we are younger, we are taught that the whirlwind of schooling never stops: elementary, middle, high, college, job. And the only part of that schooling that is really negotiable is college. Many people choose not to go, and that is just fine. But what if you do want to go? What if you’re just not quite ready to? The answer for you might be a gap year.

    Why do so many people choose, or at least consider this option? And why do so many not?

    Actually, taking a gap year might be more beneficial to people who are not sure of their life path. After all, Malia Obama has a plan to take one, an if she’s not reliable than who is? Another pro is that it gives you a chance to slowly be introduced to the adult world instead of having to be thrust into it head-on. If you get a job or travel during a gap year, it can give you a chance to discover things you might not have a chance to do otherwise. And your application might actually be more impressive because of these experiences that changed you.

    Plus, if you are working during your gap year (and most people would be), you can get a chance to pay off more of the money you will need to go to college before school rather than after. This could result in less stress after you graduate.

    Of course, taking a year for yourself is not for everyone. Some people have trouble gaining back their momentum and restructuring their schedule for college. And obviously, you will be a year behind everyone else who was in your graduating class.

    The fact is that this choice is a case-by-case factor. But for most, it should at least be an idea that is taken into consideration.

     

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