Every year, two to 10 High School graduates decide to take a gap year following the completion of Grade 12, according to Director of Student Advising Anne Richardson. Richardson said gap years can take myriad forms, whether they involve working, traveling or interning.聽
Richardson, who took a gap year herself before college, said for one to make the most out of a gap year, it is necessary to be purposeful with their decisions.聽
鈥淚t’s really a time to explore your interests,鈥� Richardson said. 鈥淐onfirm for yourself as to why it is you want to go on to higher education, and where you want to focus your energies.鈥�
Instead of rushing to attend a university, Andrew Wigg (鈥�83) said he took a gap year which allowed him to tour different schools at his own pace to find the right fit. He smiled while recounting the memory of visiting his college, Norwich University, for the first time.聽
鈥淚 just fell in love with the school,鈥� Wigg said. 鈥淚 thought, 鈥榯his is the place that would be good for me to go to college.鈥欌��
University Advisor Nicole Thompson said gap years are suitable for students who would like to take a break from structured academics to regain their passion before continuing to higher education.聽
鈥淏y the time folks graduate high school, they aren’t always as passionate about learning,鈥� Thompson said. 鈥淭aking some time away and doing something different can help them to remember that learning can be an exciting experience.鈥�
Mairead Doherty (鈥�23) said she is taking a gap year after graduation, and while her future is not set in stone, she plans to spend her year working, completing internships and possibly traveling. She said she has high hopes for the lessons in self-sufficiency and self-motivation that will follow.聽
鈥淚 definitely think I can expect to slump when I鈥檓 out of school and there’s nothing pushing me, but I feel like that鈥檚 what I’m gonna have to overcome,鈥� Doherty said. 鈥淚’m excited for getting the opportunity to be more independent and to grow because I feel like I will by the end of the gap year.鈥�
Similarly, Alexandra Pritchard (鈥�23) said she is also considering a gap year. She said while the prospect of new experiences away from a structured school environment is exciting, based on her experiences during breaks from school, she is concerned about staying driven throughout 12 months.聽
鈥淲e have 12 weeks off for summer, and it鈥檚 difficult to stay motivated,鈥� Pritchard said. 鈥淭hat’s definitely a factor.鈥�
Likewise, Doherty said she is anxious about 鈥�not having something external telling you what to do鈥� during her gap year.聽
Despite these possible setbacks, both Pritchard and Doherty have set their sights on new experiences in the near future. Pritchard said she plans to spend a few months with family in South America, while Doherty said she is considering working in entertainment or film throughout her gap year to save money for higher education.
Wigg said these prospective plans reflect the experiences from his gap year, in which he lived with his family and worked at a local grocery store, meaningful memories that remain with him to this day.聽
鈥淚 made a lot of great friends,鈥� Wigg said. 鈥淚 think it was the right thing for me to do.鈥�
Pritchard said the pressure of submitting college applications was a challenging experience but it was the sign that sparked her plan to take a gap year.聽
鈥淎ll of a sudden, when you get to Grade 12 you’re applying, and I think it was just so stressful,鈥� Pritchard said.
Thompson said she agrees that a pause from academic stress can be necessary for students to value their experiences and make the right decision after a gap year.
I’m excited for getting the opportunity to be more independent and to grow because I feel like I will by the end of the gap year.
— Mairead Doherty ('23)
鈥淚t helps some people really appreciate the university experience even more,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey’re not just doing it because it’s the next step, but because it’s something they chose.鈥�
On the other hand, Doherty said her older brother鈥檚 decision to take a gap year inspired her from a younger age.聽
鈥淢y older brother took one鈥� and it really worked out for him, like, I can see how much he’s grown as a person after taking it,鈥� Doherty said.聽
Richardson said while a gap year can be an intimidating investment, her experience left her with zero regrets. The time she spent working in Paris and exploring new places was an experience she said she would not forget.聽
鈥淚 just think it was hard work,鈥� Richardson said. 鈥淏ut, would I do it again? Absolutely.鈥�
