OFF THE BEATEN PATH

From the first cry out of the womb, many parents have pre-planned a life for their child; a life of love, immense happiness and success. Children are enrolled in school at the age of five and continue through their academic years, aiming to get good grades so they can attend a university of their choice. All of this is in hopes that they will land a dream job that pays enough to prove the hard work and dedication was worth it.

This is what has been taught for years, and few have dared to stray from the norm. For many, not going to college may feel like falling behind. And choosing a different path could mean missing out on the opportunities they may have at college during the so-called “best four years of their life.” Not to mention, many don’t have the time and money to take the chance of following the road less traveled, and more importantly, no one wants to deviate from that road to only find failure or a dead end.

In recent years, some have chosen to take a step back to evaluate this “plan,” often deciding it’s not for them. While school and internships may sound great, it’s not what they want in the prime of their lives, leading them to choose a new plan: a gap year.

Before considering the positives that may come from taking a gap year, the “gap” must first be defined. According to the American Gap Year Association, students transitioning primarily from high school to career or post-secondary education take “a semester or year of experiential learning in order to deepen one’s practical, professional and personal awareness.” A gap year can be an opportunity to save money while working full time, gaining experience through internships, immersing oneself in various cultures through travel or joining a world organization to promote healthy change. Regardless of what the gap year looks like, these experiences can encourage personal growth. Gap years can change one’s outlook on life or fulfill one’s desired role in the world.

Some of us break the life path that was pre-determined at birth, full of uncertain adventures and possible financial burdens, while others have worked hard to overcome factors that initially prevented college from being part of that plan. No matter the gap in distance or time, many have found themselves straying from what they saw as a fractured path, creating a new path of life designed perfectly for them.

While many are attracted to the daring aspect of taking a gap year, others are content with the plans they’ve made, and that’s completely okay. Every path comes with its own set of challenges, and no one’s path will look identical. Go into each new stage of your life with excitement and appreciation for new beginnings, but be modest with your expectations.

Whatever you may choose, take the time to reflect on your options, no matter how untraditional they may be. See which will bring you to the ultimate destination of selffulfillment and bliss.

WORDS: KARI EICKHOLDT AND CELINE KERIK PHOTO: EMMA DOWD GLAM: AVA TACONELLI 19 VIM STYLIST: CAMERYN CASS