The Power of Pause: Discovering the benefits of a gap year

Shinthoi Chingakham *

What stops us from taking a pause or a break ? Students of this age are expected to have everything figured out from a very young age. Either their parents do it for them or the society draws a template for them that they can just (or must) follow. Even though some students do actually have it figured out from a very young age, their plans are so concrete and rigid that there is no space for them to breathe or fall.

The harrowing reality is that we live in such a competitive environment where there isn’t a small pocket where students can rest without feeling guilty. Guilt that suffocates every student of today. This guilt consists of, why they aren’t able to succeed as their peers, why they aren’t able to make their parents proud or why they are the only one that feel “exhausted”. It is very difficult for students to take a breather when all these questions and emotions haunt them.

With rising competition, academic credentials are just not enough to secure a job or gain admission to reputed universities abroad anymore. Along with good grades, there is a pressing need to hone important skills like interpersonal communication, leadership, job-related or technical skills, professional networks, and cultural capital. This path to self-discovery is not covered in the school academic curricula, and often, families may not possess the requisite skill set to train their children for the world out there.

Gap years give students to build their skills that they never had time for. They are given the freedom to learn how the world actually works outside of textbooks, attendance and grades. They have the opportunity to learn how to manage time and resources, network, find a sense of purpose and meaning. Bridge years help unlock students’ educational potential and facilitate civic development.

We need higher education systems to ideally prepare students for life and for being able to handle social roles in general, not just for hoarding academic achievements. So, a gap year should be a “meaning-making” process, a reflective experience, and an opportunity to be challenged, rather than a waste of time. Taking a gap year, a break in your formal education or career path, can offer a variety of benefits.

Here are some reasons why someone might consider taking a gap year:

1. Personal Growth and Development : A gap year can provide time for self-discovery, allowing you to explore your interests, passions, and values without the pressures of academic or career obligations.

2. Resume and Skill Building : During a gap year, you can engage in activities that build valuable skills, such as volunteering, interning, or taking courses. These experiences can enhance your resume and make you a more well-rounded candidate for future opportunities.

3. Career Clarity : Taking time off can help you clarify your career goals. It's an opportunity to explore different industries, job roles, and professions before committing to a particular path.

4. Avoiding Burnout : A gap year can prevent burnout by giving you a break from the demands of academics or a stressful job. It allows you to recharge and return to your studies or work with renewed energy and focus.

5. Entrepreneurship : Some individuals use a gap year to explore entrepreneurial ventures, develop business ideas, or work on personal projects that they might not have time for during a regular academic or work schedule.

6. Building Independence and Confidence : Navigating a gap year independently can boost your confidence and help you become more self-reliant, as you'll often need to solve problems and make decisions on your own.

7. Health and Well-being : If you're dealing with physical or mental health issues, a gap year can provide time for healing, reco- very, and self-care, without the added stress of academic or work respon- sibilities.

8. Personal Reflection : A gap year can give you the space to reflect on your life goals, values, and priorities. This can lead to better decision-making when it comes to choosing a career path or further education.

9. Building a Stronger Application : For those considering higher education, a gap year can allow you to build a stronger application by gaining relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment and passion for your chosen field of study.

10. Networking : Taking a gap year can also give you the chance to network with professionals in your desired industry, potentially leading to mentorship or job opportunities.

12. Cultural and Artistic Pursuits : If you're passionate about the arts, a gap year can provide time for creative pursuits like writing, painting, music, or other artistic endeavors.

13. Travel and Cultural Exposure : Many people use a gap year to travel and experience new cultures, which can broaden your perspectives, enhance your understanding of the world, and foster a sense of global citizenship.

Although it is becoming a trend for students to drop a year for their JEE, NEET or UPSC preparations, what about students that genuinely need just a break. Because one can do a lot more than slaving away for an exam during their gap years. It is important to understand that not everyone has the same calibre and learning pace. There are many reasons as to why a student would need a gap year, thus there are many factors and points to take into consideration before deciding.

Here are few points to consider while deciding to take a gap year

1. Physical health : Sometimes all the stress ends up affecting a person’s physical health. So a gap year could help the body recover from such stress.

2. Mental health : The pressure and academic stress that students face this generation is unimaginable. Academic stress is defined as a student's psychological state resulting from continuous social and self-imposed pressure in a school environment that depletes the student's psychological reserves. Nobody knows you more than yourself, so trust yourself when you need a break and space to breathe. A tip before deciding to check whether you are actually stressed is to ask yourself the question without thinking about all the socie-tal and peer pressure. And if your answer is a firm yes, a break is recommended.

3. Future plans/goals : It is also important to think over if the gap year actually aligns with your future goal. Weigh out what you are planning to do in your gap year and how it affects your future plan or goal. Ensure that your gap year activities contribute to your long-term goals.

4. Timing : Decide when you want to take your gap year. Consider whether you want to take it immediately after high school, during college, or before starting your career. Think about how this timing aligns with your overall life plan.

5. Finances : Evaluate your financial situation and determine how you will fund your gap year. Consider the costs associated with your chosen activities, such as travel expenses, program fees, and living expenses.

6. Long-Term Impact : Consider the long-term impact of your gap year on your resume, career trajectory, and personal growth. Will the experiences you gain be valuable assets in the future ? After considering all the factors and you finally decide to take a gap year, here are few points you need to keep in mind during your gap year.

a. Planning Your Activities : Make a realistic timetable that you will follow, because it can be very easy to get distracted when you don’t have a concrete schedule to follow. A gap year can provide flexibility, but effective time management is still crucial. Research potential activities such as volunteering, interning, traveling, working, or pursuing educational experiences.

b. Support and Guidance : Discuss your plans with mentors, parents, teachers, and academic advisors. They can provide valuable insights, advice, and support as you make decisions on how you want to spend your gap year.

c. Personal Development : Reflect on how a gap year can contribute to your personal development. What skills do you want to acquire ? How do you envision growing as an individual during this time ? And make plans that align for your development.

d. Education and College Admissions : If you plan on applying for universities or scholarships abroad, it is advisable that you focus on writing your SOPs and building your CV to be a more desirable candidate.

e. Alternative Plans : Have a backup plan in case your initial gap year plans encounter unexpected obstacles. Flexibility is impor- tant in ensuring a successful gap year experience. It's important to note that the benefits of a gap year can vary based on individual circumstances and goals. Planning and setting clear intentions for your gap year can help ensure that you make the most of this time.

Ultimately, a well-thought-out gap year can be an incredible opportunity for growth, learning, and self-discovery. By considering these factors and thoroughly planning your gap year, you can maximize the benefits of your time off and set the stage for a successful transition into your next phase of life.