Anyone who has ever gone can tell you that school is brutal and for some, the idea of going straight from high school into college is daunting and sometimes a little too much to handle. That is why many students decide to take a gap year between the two. If you are one of these students, then you don’t need to just sit around playing video games and eating snacks all year, you need to get out there, do something with yourself, and make an impact on the world or at least enjoy it. Here are just a few ideas to get you started.
Travel/Take a Road Trip
There’s nothing like jumping in the car or climbing onto your motorcycle and heading out across the country for a road trip. Not only does it give you something to do during that gap year, it broadens your horizons and may be educational as well. So, purchase that motorcycle, look up a few cheap motorcycle insurance quotes online, grab your helmet and hit the open road. You’ll be surprised how much happier you’ll be and hopefully ready to start school when the year is done.
Volunteer
Whether it’s volunteering at the local animal shelter or traveling abroad to volunteer through one of the many programs available, this is the perfect way for you to give back to the community and will also make you feel good about yourself. Not only does it give you the means to contribute to a cause you really care about, when the gap year is done, volunteer work looks really good on a college application. A volunteer position also makes a great essay topic when it comes to applying for a scholarship as well.
Work and Learn to Adult
Taking a gap year doesn’t mean taking a year off from life and responsibility. It’s important to get a job, even if it’s just a part-time one, and start learning to adult, since that is what you’re expected to do after college anyway. Adulting isn’t just about working to pay the bills and for the things you want, however. Learn to do your own laundry, pick up after yourself, and cook during that year, so once you arrive at your college dorm or apartment, you know how to care for yourself, because your parents won’t be there to do it for you anymore.
Take a Break from Studying
Taking a gap year means taking a break from studying. That means that you should get out and have some fun with your friends and family. Don’t make every day of that year about work, volunteering and learning to adult, just remember that if you want to succeed in the real world, then these are things you’re going to need to learn.
Taking a gap year is a great idea if you do it the right way. Remember, have fun, but learn to adult right along with that fun as well.
