Comments on: College gap years: The educational and financial benefits of taking a breather http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2009/11/22/the-educational-and-financial-benefits-of-taking-a-breather/ Your source to discuss and learn about education in Atlanta, Georgia and the nation Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:31:49 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Tracey http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2009/11/22/the-educational-and-financial-benefits-of-taking-a-breather/comment-page-1/#comment-60858 Tracey Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:46:37 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/?p=3212#comment-60858 I am currently on my second "gap year " and am loving it. I do plan on a college education but when I am ready. In these past two years I have found myself and know exactly what I want to study. I have never been given money and have worked since I was 16. Parents, why do you believe you should pay for everything your child does? Make them work for it. It builds character and knowledge of the "real world" that we talk so much about. Yes insurance is an issue, I for one don't have any. When I get sick I pay for my own doctor bills. It sucks, but I learn how to eat right, wash my hands etc. so prevent getting sick. While on my gap years, I have worked and traveled in South America and South Africa. I don't know many people at the age of 20 that can say that. I have more experience than many college students and I must say I can't wait to start studying. So just because you " took a year off" does not mean your child will never go to college. Like my high school counselors told me. I would like to see her face in a few years. I think I might make an appoint to tell her my accomplishments. Anyways yes Gap Years are the best thing any Senior can do. "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."-Saint Augustine I am currently on my second “gap year ” and am loving it. I do plan on a college education but when I am ready. In these past two years I have found myself and know exactly what I want to study. I have never been given money and have worked since I was 16. Parents, why do you believe you should pay for everything your child does? Make them work for it. It builds character and knowledge of the “real world” that we talk so much about. Yes insurance is an issue, I for one don’t have any. When I get sick I pay for my own doctor bills. It sucks, but I learn how to eat right, wash my hands etc. so prevent getting sick. While on my gap years, I have worked and traveled in South America and South Africa. I don’t know many people at the age of 20 that can say that. I have more experience than many college students and I must say I can’t wait to start studying. So just because you ” took a year off” does not mean your child will never go to college. Like my high school counselors told me. I would like to see her face in a few years. I think I might make an appoint to tell her my accomplishments. Anyways yes Gap Years are the best thing any Senior can do. “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”-Saint Augustine

]]> By: Tracey http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2009/11/22/the-educational-and-financial-benefits-of-taking-a-breather/comment-page-1/#comment-60855 Tracey Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:28:00 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/?p=3212#comment-60855 Enter your comments here Enter your comments here

]]> By: Sarge http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2009/11/22/the-educational-and-financial-benefits-of-taking-a-breather/comment-page-1/#comment-20243 Sarge Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:11:16 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/?p=3212#comment-20243 Martina, I know it's a Mom's job to worry about her son; just into my 60s, I'm extremely fortunate to have a Mom who, every time I visit, worries that she might not have enough food for her "little boy". Let him "see the world". It might be from a Vespa in Italy, a tour boat on the Seine, or a deck on a carrier. Either way, when he decides what to do (he may well have had already decided), you'll know...just smile and support. Godspeed, Mom! Martina, I know it’s a Mom’s job to worry about her son; just into my 60s, I’m extremely fortunate to have a Mom who, every time I visit, worries that she might not have enough food for her “little boy”. Let him “see the world”. It might be from a Vespa in Italy, a tour boat on the Seine, or a deck on a carrier. Either way, when he decides what to do (he may well have had already decided), you’ll know…just smile and support. Godspeed, Mom!

]]> By: elementary school teacher http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2009/11/22/the-educational-and-financial-benefits-of-taking-a-breather/comment-page-1/#comment-20157 elementary school teacher Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:25:17 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/?p=3212#comment-20157 I think the idea of a gap year is ideal for many students. I went straight to college and I do not regret that decision, but my brother ended up going to college for two years, joining the work force, and then completing his degree. He would have greatly benefitted from a gap year or two. Some people are simply not ready to go to school immediately after high school. With our given economy, I think it is an even better idea. I know I matured a lot during my years in college. It took a while to decide who I was and what I wanted out of life and my college degree. Although I don't regret my decision, I believe I would have benefitted from a gap year. I even had some offers to be a nanny. If I could have been accepted to college, not lost any scholarships, and deferred my college experience for a year, I would have done it. I think the idea of a gap year is ideal for many students. I went straight to college and I do not regret that decision, but my brother ended up going to college for two years, joining the work force, and then completing his degree. He would have greatly benefitted from a gap year or two. Some people are simply not ready to go to school immediately after high school. With our given economy, I think it is an even better idea. I know I matured a lot during my years in college. It took a while to decide who I was and what I wanted out of life and my college degree. Although I don’t regret my decision, I believe I would have benefitted from a gap year. I even had some offers to be a nanny. If I could have been accepted to college, not lost any scholarships, and deferred my college experience for a year, I would have done it.

]]> By: Mind_The_Gap http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2009/11/22/the-educational-and-financial-benefits-of-taking-a-breather/comment-page-1/#comment-19954 Mind_The_Gap Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:18:18 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/?p=3212#comment-19954 I took two years off after graduating high school. I worked, volunteered, and read several books. My guidance counselors all pushed me to go to college immediately after high school adding extra pressure and lowering my feeling of self worth because, unlike my classmates, I opted to work and figure out which options were best for me. The author, Gwyeth T. Smith Jr., truly knows what she is talking about. I wish that I had a guidance counselor or someone like her when making the alternate decision to delay pursuing higher education. Because I took those years off, I know that I know myself better and have a better appreciation of a dollar. I have become more grateful and have a better understanding of the amount of hard work that my parents do to provide for my family. I am now a freshman in an affordable community college and I love it. The insurance coverage was the biggest downside but thankfully I was able to find insurance targeted to my specific age group that is reasonably priced. I don’t think delaying college is for everyone but I know that it has helped me. “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference” Robert Frost. I took two years off after graduating high school. I worked, volunteered, and read several books. My guidance counselors all pushed me to go to college immediately after high school adding extra pressure and lowering my feeling of self worth because, unlike my classmates, I opted to work and figure out which options were best for me. The author, Gwyeth T. Smith Jr., truly knows what she is talking about. I wish that I had a guidance counselor or someone like her when making the alternate decision to delay pursuing higher education. Because I took those years off, I know that I know myself better and have a better appreciation of a dollar. I have become more grateful and have a better understanding of the amount of hard work that my parents do to provide for my family. I am now a freshman in an affordable community college and I love it. The insurance coverage was the biggest downside but thankfully I was able to find insurance targeted to my specific age group that is reasonably priced. I don’t think delaying college is for everyone but I know that it has helped me. “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference” Robert Frost.

]]> By: Just couldn't let it get by....GT fan http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2009/11/22/the-educational-and-financial-benefits-of-taking-a-breather/comment-page-1/#comment-19814 Just couldn't let it get by....GT fan Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:17:26 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/?p=3212#comment-19814 I'm sorry...I really tried to resist but it was just too easy. Actually ours is a house divided...so I have to take and give both ways. I’m sorry…I really tried to resist but it was just too easy. Actually ours is a house divided…so I have to take and give both ways.

]]> By: Just couldn't let it get by....GT fan http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2009/11/22/the-educational-and-financial-benefits-of-taking-a-breather/comment-page-1/#comment-19811 Just couldn't let it get by....GT fan Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:46:15 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/?p=3212#comment-19811 Two degrees from UGA...weren't THOSE your gap years? Two degrees from UGA…weren’t THOSE your gap years?

]]> By: JLuton http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2009/11/22/the-educational-and-financial-benefits-of-taking-a-breather/comment-page-1/#comment-19778 JLuton Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:39:10 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/?p=3212#comment-19778 I think the idea of a gap year is fantastic. I felt like I rushed through college, despite having graduated with two degrees from UGA, and upon getting out of college I had no idea what the real world had in store for me. I have, however, found my way and I wish more than anything that I could revert back to the days of college. A gap year provides many students with an appreciation for how things really are and I certainly would have changed my plans in school had I known what the real world was like. Whether that gap year takes place before or after college is a personal decision. After I graduated from college, I went backpacking through Europe and I met many young people my age from other countries who taking a gap year, exploring the world and doing great things through community service and volunteer activities. It's not the right decision for everyone, however, but for many students and young adults it can be a life changing experience that directs you towards more attainable goals, giving you solid footing for pursuing a career that you're passionate about. I think the idea of a gap year is fantastic. I felt like I rushed through college, despite having graduated with two degrees from UGA, and upon getting out of college I had no idea what the real world had in store for me. I have, however, found my way and I wish more than anything that I could revert back to the days of college. A gap year provides many students with an appreciation for how things really are and I certainly would have changed my plans in school had I known what the real world was like. Whether that gap year takes place before or after college is a personal decision. After I graduated from college, I went backpacking through Europe and I met many young people my age from other countries who taking a gap year, exploring the world and doing great things through community service and volunteer activities. It’s not the right decision for everyone, however, but for many students and young adults it can be a life changing experience that directs you towards more attainable goals, giving you solid footing for pursuing a career that you’re passionate about.

]]> By: A solid option http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2009/11/22/the-educational-and-financial-benefits-of-taking-a-breather/comment-page-1/#comment-19764 A solid option Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:29:09 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/?p=3212#comment-19764 Working in a national park can be a great option for students and families considering a gap year. The student will get to travel the U.S., will earn money, and meet a wide variety of people. Working for a company like Xanterra would allow a student to work in one national park for the summer and transfer to another in the winter. Employees of these programs include but are not limited to college students, international students, and retirees. The experiences the student will have will help them form a solid plan for college. Parent's can rest easy because the student is working 40 hours a week with a deduction for room and board (a small taste of the real world). Housing in parks like Yellowstone is set up dormitory style (another intro to college life) and health Care is also provided by the company. I worked under this program in a forced "gap year" when I could not find employment after college. I do agree the student should accept a position with a University and defer that choice until their gap year is complete. Working in a national park can be a great option for students and families considering a gap year. The student will get to travel the U.S., will earn money, and meet a wide variety of people. Working for a company like Xanterra would allow a student to work in one national park for the summer and transfer to another in the winter. Employees of these programs include but are not limited to college students, international students, and retirees. The experiences the student will have will help them form a solid plan for college. Parent’s can rest easy because the student is working 40 hours a week with a deduction for room and board (a small taste of the real world). Housing in parks like Yellowstone is set up dormitory style (another intro to college life) and health Care is also provided by the company.

I worked under this program in a forced “gap year” when I could not find employment after college. I do agree the student should accept a position with a University and defer that choice until their gap year is complete.

]]> By: Cindy http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2009/11/22/the-educational-and-financial-benefits-of-taking-a-breather/comment-page-1/#comment-19732 Cindy Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:04:57 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/?p=3212#comment-19732 A gap year is very popular here in Australia, and because health insurance isn't a issue, students frequently do take a year off. The key is to secure a university place right out of high school, but defer for a year. The commitment is still there because the university and the student have an agreement. One benefit of a gap year is that students mature a bit before embarking a degree in basket weaving...which gets you nowhere but $50K - 100K in debt and no job when your done. A gap year is very popular here in Australia, and because health insurance isn’t a issue, students frequently do take a year off. The key is to secure a university place right out of high school, but defer for a year. The commitment is still there because the university and the student have an agreement. One benefit of a gap year is that students mature a bit before embarking a degree in basket weaving…which gets you nowhere but $50K – 100K in debt and no job when your done.

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