Gap Year: Selfish or Useful? by Rita

Gap Year: Selfish or Useful? by Rita - August 2019 Scholarship Essay

Life dictates that people must make difficult choices. These choices require deep contemplation. One example is the decision of continuing education straight after high school graduation or taking a gap year. A gap year is an annual period in which high school graduates take time to discover themselves before re-entering the academic arena, college. This gap could provide the extra time one lacked during high school to plan for the future, save up money for college, and even take a vacation. I think a gap year is a fantastic idea. I could use it to my advantage to help me analyze my options and to take a dream vacation.

The first thing I could use a gap year for is to put my options into perspective. A year is an abundant amount of time to examine the next steps to take after my gap year comes to a close. During this time, I would seek a job as a waitress at Red Lobster. I would like to work there because I would gain valuable life experience and some generous tips, perhaps. I would work there for some time and save as much money as possible. I would set that money aside in my checking account. I would also take on a second job to earn more money. The second job I would do is to work as a respite care provider for a special needs person who needs it. I have personal experience in this field. I have a brother with autism. I would need to undergo some training to ensure I'm well versed in first aid. That's no issue. I would be personally fulfilled in this job. If I work during my gap year, I will have money to be able to go to college stress-free.

The next thing on my list for my gap year would be to take a dream vacation. I've always created bucket lists. There is one item that I've always wanted to do. My dream is to travel across Europe and the Mediterranean. I want to live temporarily in European cities like Paris, London, Edinburgh for a month each. I would rent out an apartment in each European city I visit. During the day, I would go sightseeing. At night, I would watch the city night life in my apartment. If I follow my plan, I can experience a good amount of Europe. I've daydreamed about traveling across Europe and a gap year would allow me to experience the beauty of Europe.

I firmly believe that a gap year is a great option. It would give me clarity and adequate time to figure out what I want for my future. Taking a gap year would allow me to work to be able to afford college and take a dream European vacation.