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Started By
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Gap Year: Thoughts, Pro, Cons...
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:02 am
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:02 am
My kids will soon be in High School. And they are already talking about college.
My nephew graduated High School last year. He clearly was not ready to go to college. But my sister and BIL forced him to go. When I suggested a Gap Year, my sister said: That's probably what he needs, and definitely what he wants, but we're afraid that he'll never go to college if he doesn't go straight away.
Naturally, he dropped out after one semester and he's now hiking around New Zealand with a friend. Just watched a cool video of them helping a farmer sheer sheep in exchange for room and board.
It seems like Gap Years are common in Europe and other developed Western countries. But aren't very popular here in the US. Why not? Looking back on my college career, I know I could have benefited from a year of travel and work. I would have been more mature and more focused on school.
What does the OT say? Any experiences or thoughts pro or con?
My nephew graduated High School last year. He clearly was not ready to go to college. But my sister and BIL forced him to go. When I suggested a Gap Year, my sister said: That's probably what he needs, and definitely what he wants, but we're afraid that he'll never go to college if he doesn't go straight away.
Naturally, he dropped out after one semester and he's now hiking around New Zealand with a friend. Just watched a cool video of them helping a farmer sheer sheep in exchange for room and board.
It seems like Gap Years are common in Europe and other developed Western countries. But aren't very popular here in the US. Why not? Looking back on my college career, I know I could have benefited from a year of travel and work. I would have been more mature and more focused on school.
What does the OT say? Any experiences or thoughts pro or con?
This post was edited on 1/26/17 at 7:05 am
29
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:06 am to No Colors
Some folks get lost, diverted or set back with a Gap Year. For others, they figure out what they want to do with their life during that time. It's a personal choice. If pressed, I'd be con rather than pro gap.
This post was edited on 1/26/17 at 7:07 am
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:06 am to No Colors
I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure there are significant issues with scholarships and programs like TOPS if you don't go to school immediately.
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:06 am to No Colors
quote:wish i would of done more stuff like this right out of hs....but noooo,straight to work i went
Naturally, he dropped out after one semester and he's now hiking around New Zealand with a friend.
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:07 am to No Colors
gap year? More like oxycotton year
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:07 am to No Colors
quote:
Naturally, he dropped out after one semester and he's now hiking around New Zealand with a friend.
See, this just makes me angry. What financial resources allowed this?
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:08 am to el Gaucho
quote:
gap year? More like oxycotton year
Sounds like you never returned from your Gap Summer right after middle school.
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:08 am to No Colors
quote:
and he's now hiking around New Zealand with a friend
Probably learning about "rings" Sam and Frodo style
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:10 am to High C
Who is paying for him to run around new zealand?
Is he sucking dick for cash?
Is he sucking dick for cash?
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:11 am to High C
quote:
See, this just makes me angry. What financial resources allowed this?
His friend has some money, and bought them a van to live in. They work in exchange for room and board, and some spending money. His parents send him a little money if he's in a jam (beats paying for private college that he doesn't get anything out of). He has a summer job where he saved a little. He also plays guitar on street corners for tips. They seem to be getting by.
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:13 am to Cosmo
quote:
he sucking dick for cash?
Almost certainly. Thanks your your insight. Helpful.
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:13 am to No Colors
no gap year. 2 years military service, then gap year, then college. If you don't get a trade do 2 more years in the military
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:19 am to No Colors
I wanted a gap year out of high school, but my parents forced me to go to school. They were right; 18 year old me would have not gone back and made my life significantly harder. Now at 28 I'm glad I went when I did, otherwise I wouldn't be in my career yet.
This post was edited on 1/26/17 at 1:35 pm
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:22 am to No Colors
I took my gap year between college and work. It was nice
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:22 am to No Colors
Very anti gap year. The only people I met who did it either never went to college or didn't finish. They still live at home.
Anecdotal evidence, but still. No kids of mine are going to do that.
Anecdotal evidence, but still. No kids of mine are going to do that.
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:28 am to No Colors
quote:
His friend has some money, and bought them a van to live in. They work in exchange for room and board, and some spending money. His parents send him a little money if he's in a jam (beats paying for private college that he doesn't get anything out of). He has a summer job where he saved a little. He also plays guitar on street corners for tips. They seem to be getting by.
His life, is the reason i went to college. So i wouldn't have to do this. What is he going to do when he decides he wants to grow up?
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:29 am to shotcaller1
Coming out of HS, I knew I wasn't ready for college. Joining the military was the absolute best decision for me. Those four years taught me more than any university could have at that age.
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:30 am to No Colors
As long as the kid works full time a gap year is great. A year off to dick around and get high on the parents money is asinine.
The kid should use the gap year to actually learn how the world works in order to pick a major/career.
The kid should use the gap year to actually learn how the world works in order to pick a major/career.
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:34 am to No Colors
Yep
My gap year was working offshore
Leaving that oilfield cash was sooooo hard
My gap year was working offshore
Leaving that oilfield cash was sooooo hard
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:37 am to No Colors
It is your only life. Do what you want to do.
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