Patience equals Success. by Christopher

Patience equals Success. by Christopher - August 2019 Scholarship Essay

Although I start school this upcoming fall, if I were to take a gap year I would make sure that college is what I want to do. Sometimes it's a parents dream for their child to go off to college, but the child may have other plans. The primary things I would do if I were to take a gap year would be to make sure I am spiritually, mentally, and financially ready for college and life after college. The goal of this gap year would be to relieve as most stress as possible for college.

Being spiritually ready for college is very important to establish beforehand. In college you are exposed to diverse cultures, practices, and beliefs. Taking a gap year would secure me in my own religious faith, while still being open minded about other people's faith systems. During that gap year I would go to different places of worship to get an idea of how others practice their faith, so it's not as foreign when I get to college.

College can bring on tons of stress that can weigh heavily on your mind. Taking a gap year may prepare my mind for the social and educational battles I may see the next year. During the gap year, I would read and watch educational webinars to help "work-out" my mind. I would also converse with people with experience in my desired career field, so that I can understand what to look forward to.

College Cost Of Attendance (COA) is one of the biggest stressors when is comes to attending college. Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University is a very prestigious university, but it's also very expensive
for out-of-state students like myself. Taking a gap year would allow me to work a full time job in which I can save-up specifically for college. Although the job market for someone with only a High School Diploma is limited, there are plenty of warehouse and manual labor jobs that would pay me decently. The money I make during the gap year could go towards a meal plan, books, housing, or tuition.

In conclusion, taking a gap year would only benefit me. It would allow me to pace myself so I can limit the amount of stress I put on myself during college.