Taking the Leap: Why a Gap Year Is Your Smartest Move Yet
If you’re somewhere between finishing high school and the early years of college, chances are you might be thinking “Should I take a gap year?”
Well, we’re here to say, “Absolutely, yes!”
I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that you are at the magical age where everything is
possible, and yet we do believe “seize the day or you’ll regret it forever!!”, even if we are not gonna give you the full stand up on desk Carpe Diem spiel.
We’re here with cold, hard(ish) facts to show you why a gap year is a brilliant idea.
STEP 1 – DECIPHERING THE GAP YEAR MISTERY
Before we delve into the hows and whys, let me clarify what a gap year means for AHA.
In our opinion a gap year is whatever you want it to be – it’s like a giant “build-your-own-bear” but for your future.
A Gap Year can be as short as a month or as long as several years. You could find yourself rowing in Venice’s canals or making jewelry out of seeds in Mumbai, or stay closer to home and work at that nice vegan cafe you always walk past.
The beauty of it? You could even mix and match and do all of it.
THIS COULD BE YOU!!!!
STEP 2: 5 REASONS WHY GAP YEARS ARE SO GREAT:
1. Personal Growth
A gap year isn’t just about exploring new places; it’s an occasion for self-discovery and personal growth in ways that textbooks and classrooms simply can’t match.
Gap years provide the space for introspection, self-awareness, and the time to step out of your comfort zone, face challenges head-on, and emerge wiser, stronger, and more resilient.
2. Preparation for university and beyond
Forget the myth that gap years derail your academic journey. They offer clarity on your educational and career goals, foster essential life skills (hello, time management and adaptability!), and what’s more, many universities and employers highly value the unique experiences and maturity gained during gap years.
3. Stand out – whether it’s on a cv or at meal time
Gap years provide you with a dazzling array of amazing experiences that make you stand out on your CV as well as dinner parties!
Picture yourself as the worldly, culturally astute raconteur that everyone wants to sit next to at dinner or hire on linkedin.
4. Build up your confidence
It’s true, venturing into the unknown and navigating unfamiliar territories can be intimidating, but it’s also incredibly empowering! A gap year is a confidence-building journey that teaches you to believe in your abilities, make decisions independently, and overcome obstacles.
5. Make new friends
The pièce de résistance of a Gap Year? The friends you make!
These are people you would never meet otherwise—people who can introduce you to different perspectives on life, share remarkable experiences with you, and, as an added bonus, – visit and stay at when you go on holiday!
Exhibit A:
STEP 3 – FIND OUT MORE AND PLAN YOUR GAP YEAR!
So, the next time someone tries to talk you out of a gap year, just send them this article. Trust us; the evidence speaks for itself!!!!
Five reasons should be enough, but we could go on forever. For additional compelling insights, click here to discover why a gap year in India and Italy is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss!
Click here to find out more about our gap year options in India and in Italy!
The Value of AHA
