GAP YEAR IDEAS | AUGUST 2017 |

WHY I'M TAKING A GAP YEAR

My decision to have a gap year at the end of my A levels wasn't an easy one. Yes, most of my friends are going to University straight away, but I've always wanted to have a break from education to pursue projects and interests that I didn't have time or motivation to do when I was stressing about A-levels. Being someone who is going to University to study English Literature, the obvious interest that I want to do is read more. I've always been a bookworm, so I've always wanted to read constantly, and this is how I spend most of my free time. From reading all the time, I've also had the passion of writing, either poetry or a novel. The achievement of having a piece of your writing published would be amazing, so I'm starting to write more, and that also helps me to let out my feelings rather than just keeping it all bottled in.

The obvious options for a gap year, is to work or travel or work and travel at the same time. I've chosen to work for most of the year, and then hopefully travel for the last few months before I go to University. Working can enhance your CV, and can develop your personal and social skills, especially if you are working within a team. Travel can enhance your experiences of culture and getting out of your comfort zone. If you feel like you need to get out of your comfort zone, travelling is the best option, and to enhance your CV, volunteering whilst travelling is a good option also.
A gap year has always been a term that I've associated with a middle class student, that can afford to go travelling all year long, but as I've got older I've realised that a gap year can just be the break you need after doing 7 years+ of education, and being in the education system. Even if you're working, you can be saving money for travelling and being at University, so you're a bit more financially secure, (a bit ironic, if you're a student, I know).

In my opinion, taking a gap year, can yes be questionable by some people, because people might think that you'll do nothing and just lie around. But, in my view, this is your year to do the things that you didn't have the chance to do when you were stressing about your A-levels, and you were studying 24/7. Some of your friends might question why you decided on a gap year, but it might just mean that you don't feel ready to go to University to study for another three years, and you want a break from the pressure of the education system. 

A gap year is also an opportunity to undertake work experience, it may be hard if you live in a rural area, like me to actually find a suitable place to do any work experience. But, it obviously depends on the field that you want to go into. 

My advice is do something, just do something, that you're going to enjoy, and look back on the year that you had before University. Look back upon it, see that you've gained valued life experience in whatever you do.