GAP YEAR

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO TAKE A GAP YEAR?

There are many options to taking a Gap Year.  This could look very different depending on your goals.  The Gap Year should provide you with the time to explore options and gain experience in some form.  That could mean acquiring a practicum or internship in a desired area/job. That could mean taking some classes and working to gain experience in a sector you are interested in exploring. That could mean volunteering or traveling to gain experiences you might not otherwise get by going straight into training or education. The Gap Year really does mean something different to each person, however, the goal should remain to explore options and gain meaningful experience.  What the Gap Year should not be is a young person who’s lost that cannot make decisions on the best route for them to stay stuck! “I’m not sure what I want to do so I’ll just keep my current job and hope that something comes my way” Life is not about finding yourself, but CREATING yourself!  If you are feeling lost on what your next move should be, come talk to us.  Let us try to help you create a good plan moving forward!

WHAT IF I AM INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING? HOW CAN I SUPPORT MYSELF?

Volunteering is great way to gain meaningful experience! There are plenty of agencies and non-profit companies that could use your help! Interested in working with kids, volunteer to mentor and tutor at a schools or at other youth programs, including sports programs by becoming a coach. Interested in business or politics, political parties are always looking for motivated volunteers to help with campaigns. Interested in working with animals, volunteer to walk/clean dogs or contact the Humane Society. You can do all these things while working or taking a few classes. You can also look at the option of AmeriCorps. Click on the link for more information about volunteer opportunities in the area and in the US while receiving an education stipend!