Reading
Eighteen-year-old American Lisa May, a high
school seniorž, was
full of anticipation1
as she finished her
last final exam. Several months earlier, she had decided that she would take a break from her formal studies after graduation2. Eager to broaden her horizons, she wanted to explore the world and experience different
ways of life. She made an inquiry3 at her school counselor’sž office and got a brochure about cultural exchanges4. “The next thing
I knew, I was working on a farm in New Zealand, helping to take care of sheep. By the end of the year, I had also tried bungee jumping, gotten a scuba diving certificate5, and spotted some wild
penguins,” said Lisa. The trip inspired her to
study earth sciencež when she returned home.
Lisa is not the only one.
She is part of a growing trend among young adults: choosing to take a year off from
their studies, known as
a “gap (p.111)
year.” The idea of a gap year originated in Europež and Australia. Initially not everyone viewed it in a positive light. Many parents wrote it off as an excuse for their kids to party
or waste their savings6.
Over time, however,
the concept of a gap
year expanded7 to include a variety of productive8
activities, many of which are thought to be useful
life experiences. Now
it has become so
popular that many
students see the
gap year as an essential step in their education.
A gap year can take place anywhere, even in your hometown9. It does not necessarily have to last for a year, and it does not have to take place between high school and university10, either. The list of activities that can be undertaken11
during a gap year
is endless: from trekkingž in the Himalayasž or whitewater
raftingž in the Grand Canyonž to volunteering in a political12
campaign13 office or building homes for (p.112)
poor people. You are only limited by your imagination. No matter which option14 you choose, you
will be faced with new challenges15.
Of course, overcoming
the obstacles16 that you may encounter can provide17 you with valuable18
skills, many of which
can be used in your future career.
On top of this, you are sure to make
new friends along the way.
More universities
are beginning to view
the gap year as a viablež option for students. A study conducted by Harvard University concluded that those who take a gap year are more motivated once they return to school. Other universities say that students who have taken a gap year tend to be more independent and
focused19. They insist20
that a gap year should not be considered a waste of time or just a year off. Rather, they think it is important
that students view
it as a year “on,”
for it can provide them with the opportunity to explore
the world and find themselves.
(p.113)
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