“What are you planning to do after school?” We’ve all been asked this, sometimes in a more specific way. My favourite (not really) is when the question is worded: “What university are you going to?”
The problem with the specificity of this question is the presumption that said person is actually going to university. They might be planning on it, sure, but perhaps not straight away.
Tertiary education will always be there. Jobs will always be there. As life’s demands and subsequent responsibilities increase, the potential for an invaluable gap year might not be.Credit: Shutterstock
Many year 12s this time of year are contemplating taking a gap year. Sometimes, it’s to the dismay of those around them, including their parents. There’s still a big fear of the gap year for various reasons. It can be perceived as a waste of a year, financially draining, the loss of a year’s income, or a deterrent from pursuing tertiary studies.
Ten years on from my own gap year after year 12, I can wholeheartedly say it propelled me forward professionally and personally.
When I was in year 9, I went on a school trip to China for five weeks. Our base was our school’s campus in the city of Nanjing. Having never travelled to Asia, I didn’t know what to expect. We learnt about Chinese history and culture while expanding our Mandarin language skills. I quickly fell in love with China and travel in general.
My high school offers four yearlong positions for year 12 graduates wanting to be trainee teachers for the year 9 program. The traineeship is a year’s employment. After an incredible year 9 trip and studying VCE Mandarin, I knew I wanted to apply for one of the positions. Not that I intended to become a teacher; I was almost certain I wanted to pursue journalism. But I suspected the experience would be invaluable.
During my gap year, I found a confidence in myself I had absolutely no idea existed.
One thing I was certain of was that I did not want to go straight to university. I was nervous about burning out. I craved a break from studying and wanted to mix things up.
Education is extremely important in my Greek-Australian family. Like many migrants, my grandparents came to Australia in pursuit of giving their future children and grandchildren greater opportunities – including a solid education.
Treat gap years as invaluable, not something to be shunned
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02.12.2023
“What are you planning to do after school?” We’ve all been asked this, sometimes in a more specific way. My favourite (not really) is when the question is worded: “What university are you going to?”
The problem with the specificity of this question is the presumption that said person is actually going to university. They might be planning on it, sure, but perhaps not straight away.
Tertiary education will always be there. Jobs will always be there. As life’s demands and subsequent responsibilities increase, the potential for an invaluable gap year might not........
© The Sydney Morning Herald
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