Yeah, I took a "Gap Year" by Janelle

Yeah, I took a "Gap Year" by Janelle - August 2019 Scholarship Essay

I took a gap year. Half by choice, but mostly by force. All in all, I did make the most of it. Let me tell you how. I graduated in Spring of 2016, ready to overachieve in college, just like I did in high school. I could hear the dean's list calling my name and those in the stands for the basketball games doing the same. But the moment I stepped on campus, I realized I got it all wrong. I was hit and hit very hard by the reality of university. I couldn't focus in class, slept right through the 8ams, and had really bad practices. Sounds normal, but it got worse. And worse. And worse. I had been diagnosed with numerous diseases, taken a plethora of medicine, and drove myself crazy within less than a year. It felt like ten. Because of fear for my life, I had to pack my bags and leave school abruptly. I showed up on my doorstep unannounced and unwelcome by confused family members who had questions rolling off of their tongues. I made it a mission of mine to make the most of the gap year. I sat down and tried to figure out what my goal was for the year. I realized that I wanted to go to school, but I just wasn't ready yet. So, I created a plan to make the time off worthwhile. I got an amazing therapist, I got a flexible job, and a dog. I connected with old friends and made time for family. I saw my therapist once every week. We made our own little plan and she decided that she would help me become mentally ready to live on my own, in another state. After weeks of hard work and deep diving, we were successful. I got a flexible job that allowed me to take time off for when I was having trouble with my diseases. I found routine and an accepting environment. I was able to financially support myself at a hard time, and give service to others, which made me less focused on what I was dealing with. Another success. I got a beautiful puppy who was very, very demanding. But thats how I got my exercise and my love when I was alone at home. We are still very close. I am thankful for him, because he saved my life and made me feel again. My family was happy to finally spend some time with me after being gone for so long and never able to visit home, due to basketball. Same with my friends. In this time I met my boyfriend whom I hold close to my heart still. More successes. I came out stronger in the end, definitely making the most of my gap year.