Serving by Ethan

Serving by Ethan - August 2019 Scholarship Essay

Taking a gap year is an opportunity that the majority of college students do not take advantage of. It can be intimidating to take a year off of school while many students instead head off to the universities of their choice. However, taking the time to plan out and execute a gap year will almost guarantee an unforgettable experience.
While some people chose to travel during a year off of school to site see and visit countries that have been on a bucket list, something that seems much more rewarding and memorable would be a long-term mission trip. Serving people in countries that are not as fortunate as the United States and doing it through God would be an adventure that no one could possibly forget. Although it would take months to years of planning to ensure that funds and travel costs have been raised, the pay off would be like no other.
Having a friend that has done this exact same journey has provided a lot of information and induced some jealousy. After spending nine months traveling from South America to Africa, his life was changed through what he saw and who he spent time with. Although "easy" never left his mouth when discussing the trip, the memories that were made are some that he will keep his entire life.
It is for these reasons that the most valuable way to spend a gap year is to help others because I have recognized that happiness often comes in larger quantities when you help those around you rather than yourself.