Benefits of a Gap Year
March 12, 2020, was my last day of high school. I wasn’t aware at the time it was going to be my last day. If I had been, I probably would have spent it differently. I left school early that day because most of my day was a study hall. I regret leaving early, but that day now serves as a reminder to live every day like it could be the last—not necessarily your last day alive, but your last day as a high schooler, teenager and so on.
Although I was sad about high school being over so abruptly and missing many senior traditions, I was thrilled to start college. As summer went on, though, I became increasingly uncertain about attending school in the fall because of the changes sparked by the pandemic. I talked to my admissions counselor and, ultimately, decided to defer for the year. I did this in late July. Once again, my life was turned upside down, and I didn’t know what to do.
I’d never considered a gap year or known anyone personally who had taken one. In fact, I’d always thought taking a gap year meant just staying at home or working—and it might mean that for some people. But really taking a gap year can be whatever you want it to be. After many months in quarantine, I knew I needed some time away from my family, so I started researching programs. Eventually, I came across a program called Adventures Rolling Cross Country, or ARCC. ARCC typically offers programs abroad for students taking a gap year, but like everyone else, they had to adapt because of the pandemic. This year they offered domestic programs. The one I ended up applying for was a 60-day program in Hawaii.
Sounds amazing, right? Sixty days in Hawaii—beautiful place, new people, no family! Well, there was a catch, I would be camping. I had never seriously camped for a weekend before, let alone for 60 days, but I was up for the challenge. Those 60 days in Hawaii turned into 30 days in Hawaii and a 30-day road trip down the west coast through Oregon and California. Leaving for this adventure with a 75-liter backpack while all my friends were leaving for college definitely made me doubt my choices. Was I making a huge mistake not going to school? What if this was a waste of my time? I ended up learning more in those 60 days than I ever could have imagined.
My grandpa once said, “Don't let your studies get in the way of your education.” He would be happy to know how much experiential learning has taken place in my gap year thus far. I learned how to successfully put up a tent by myself in the dark. I hand-washed my clothes in a bucket, and I cooked meals for 15 people—in an outdoor kitchen, mind you. I don’t think I would have learned these things in a college classroom.
Along with learning new skills, I had the privilege of seeing and doing some absolutely amazing things. We went on numerous hikes, received our scuba certification, volunteered in national and state parks, and so much more. While on my program, I truly lived every day to the fullest, something I wish I’d done more of in high school. I’ll carry that mentality through the rest of my life. Taking a gap year changed my perspective on a lot of things and continues to shape my daily life.
Perhaps most importantly, in my gap year I have met some truly amazing people. ARCC brought me 12 new best friends from all over the nation. We all came from different backgrounds, with different stories and different life lessons to share with one another. Spending 24/7 with 12 other people forced me to become more patient; it also allowed me to get to know them on an extremely personal level, something I don’t often have the privilege of doing with new people I meet. I have an intense amount of gratitude for them and all the life lessons they taught me.
Since coming home, I started a new job as a hostess. Although it is not nearly as thrilling as traveling the country, it has allowed me some time with the people I love. I have also visited some of my new friends from the trip, and two of them even came to Kansas! I attempted to teach myself to snowboard in Utah, which resulted in many bruises but also many good memories. And I am now off to San Diego, where I will volunteer for the next few months.
It is never too late to consider a gap year or even just a gap semester. The spring and summer months are approaching, college decisions will begin to roll out, and I will start to prepare myself for the next chapter in my life. I feel so much more prepared and comfortable with the idea of going to college now that I have had some time to myself this year. I have a better idea of what I am going to study and where I want to go. Considering a gap year might seem like a daunting task, but the internet has so many resources that can help give a kickstart to your research.
I can’t really say anything good came from the pandemic, but I will say I would never have considered a gap year if things had been normal. I am so thankful for my gap year and encourage everyone to think about it. The lessons I learned and friends I made will be with me for a lifetime.
Tori Sarver is the daughter of KC Parent Magazine editor Margaret Sarver. Both mom and daughter are so thankful for Tori’s gap year.