Okay, you graduated, and you are unsure- breathe. It is okay to take a gap year. You will make it through, whether it is indecision, health or personal reasons, financial, lost sense of self, the desire for new experiences. Whatever the reason or lack thereof- you still have a very powerful qualification and the most valuable commodity- time! We can do this gap year right.
- Be Open to Experience
Expectations and comparisons have it’s place and time. In a gap year, it does not belong. Use this time to freely discover yourself, try new things, and be brave. Being open to new things is a great way to find what you like and dislike. This is a superpower! You will leave this era with a strong sense of identity and purpose.
Pro Tip: Don’t compare yourself to others not in a gap year. It’s kryptonite. - Create a Game Plan
Gap years can become a slippery slope, if you lack a plan. Create a deadline for yourself to take a leap of faith and try something, anything. An example, “I will apply to graduate school for the academic year 2025” or “If I haven’t found something I am passionate about by the end of September 2025, I will submit 20 applications by December and know I can keep searching for other jobs”.
Pro Tip: Use friends, family, and a calendar app to keep you accountable! - Become a World Explorer
Warning, I am a huge promoter of self-exploration. You might be graduating and having some regrets or grieving lost experiences. It is never to late to try something new. Learn new skills, network in different countries, backpack through unknown places. Set up a consultation with The Office of Global Education to help get you started. If their office doesn’t have options that fit you, they recommend Peace Corps or reaching out to foreign university’s administration services. - Build your Dream Resume
Now you have unstructured time, this is an opportunity to develop your ideal self and put it down on paper. This is your opportunity to volunteer at a local shelter. Ever curious about the daily life of an EMT? Contact a station and join in on a ride along. Anything else you thought was interesting? Cold call or email the source, you never know who you will meet and how much they can offer. What’s the worse that could happen? They say “no”? Never respond? That’s okay, because you sent other emails elsewhere.
Pro Tip: Cold calling is not rude; it is often flattering. Think of it as ‘opportunity fishing’, waiting for a bite. Don’t forget to put it down on your resume! - Graduate School Prep
Not ready for graduate school? This is okay too! You can use this time to prepare. Reach out to the school you think you would like to attend. Ask about post bachelor's research assistant positions and campus job opportunities (this is a great way to get reduced tuition). Get a head start building connections with the program directors. The more connections you make, the better prepared you will be.
One final piece of advice, is that college is a phase of life. College is an exciting time and won’t be the last time you feel joy. There will be so many memories, opportunities, friendships, and emotions all through out your life. There are more good times to come with each sunset. Congratulations on your achievements and the adventures yet to come!
Emily Hinsberger, Masters of Counseling, 1st year