Society is constantly evolving with its head up and eyes forward for its own benefit so more often than not, the concept of taking a pause in any sphere is usually regarded as Dumb Decision. Starting off from the instant we are enrolled into school, we are expected to continuously ride the wave (graduate, get a job, become successful and initiate the younger generation into this cycle) until the very end without any form of space to catch a break and in some cases understand what we truly want. However despite all these expectations and endless effort to climb upward resides a very crucial factor usually frown upon and is referred to as THE GAP YEAR. This has been viewed as one of the highest forms of unseriousness, confusion or straight up procrastination people use to avoid responsibilities but if you look past this blurred perspective, it becomes quite obvious that a gap year has tremendously benefitted individuals with the right mindset to manage it properly. It could be a break in between any stage of education or a shift from one profession into another.
I graduated high school at just 15 with the ambition to head straight into the university the forthcoming year. I was young, naive, had no clue about what I want and the only reason I wanted to proceed to the next stage in my academics was because literally everyone around me was doing it and I did not want to be the odd one out. After registration, I missed on admission largely due to the fact that had very limited information and my lack of preparation. Financial difficulties also forced me to take a break from my academic pursuit and strayed into the realm of business. It took me about three years to build myself, understand the purpose of education and also become fully ready(financially, emotionally and intellectually) to embark on this journey... Looking back now, I am not depressed about the gap years but thrilled as it helped build into who I am today. As a boy my decisions were easily influenced by people and this would have been the beginning of my end. However, it produced a strong independent individual who can voice out his own opinions so personally the break did not slow my roll instead it was my ticket to self discovery.
Other than self discovery, the gap year also contributes in the following ways:
- In the world of academics, it also allows individuals explore other possibilities. Most people don't even think about other things like nurturing talent or utilizing that entrepreneur that's hidden underneath the dream of being a scholar. I was never really a business person until I stormed into one only to discover how good I am in it.
- A gap year also helps to plan ahead for the unforeseeable future to produce the best results with manageable risks.
- It also helps to build skills that most often never taught in formal institutions of learning offering opportunities in the best field.
The gap year is not a sign of weakness or laziness, it symbolizes the strength to admit to our inabilities, taking a step back to restrategize to prevent making irreversible mistakes in a haste. It does not come without setbacks though as sometimes it can result into time wasted without productive results. However with adequate planning, goal oriented mindset and dedication, it transforms from being a break into a step backward into greatness.