By Katherine Stievater
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a Gap Year panel for admitted Duke University students. It was a great way for students and families to consider the benefits of choosing a Gap Year before beginning their freshman year.
I love that Duke offers the Duke Gap Year Program. The program provides generous financial support, and I am so impressed with everything that the school does to promote it to admitted students.
Duke writes on its website that “We believe there are few opportunities in life to take a meaningful amount of time to pause, reflect, and explore.” We couldn’t agree more – this is what we’ve been saying for the last 10 years!
Yes, these students are all quite capable of handling the academics of Duke – the school admitted them knowing they could handle the rigorous workload. But are they ready to balance and succeed at all the non-academic aspects of campus life?
Students who receive acceptances to the most selective universities have worked really hard to get there. They made it! But they were often so scheduled in high school, and so used to taking direction from teachers, coaches, and parents, that many of our teens can benefit from Gap time to become more confident, independent decision makers. Some are burned out and need a break, and others want to spend time exploring new interests, new cultures and new destinations.
The Duke talk reaffirmed why I got into the Gap Year field in the first place. When I first started working with students to help them plan their Gap time, there was little talk about college readiness, life skills, and professional skills. The focus was predominantly social justice, global travel, and volunteering abroad.
My focus from the beginning has always been helping our students increase maturity, building important life skills, improving problem solving, and ultimately developing the confidence that allows them to venture onto a college campus and take full advantage of everything that the school offers. This can include travel, but also encompasses so many other experiences.
And our approach works! Now, ten years since our first student in 2015, we’ve worked with hundreds of teens to be a better version of themselves before starting college. No student we’ve ever worked with has said “ugh, the worst year of my life!” In fact it’s always the opposite, more like what this student told us:
“When I met up with Katherine at the end of my year, I could not stop smiling. She said that when we met after my Gap Year was over, that I may be a different person. She was right. I am proud of myself. I didn’t think I could accomplish this much and do what I wanted to do. I learned so much about who I am and what my purpose is. Thanks Katherine for believing in me!!”
All four of my own sons have taken Gap Years. It was the best decision of their lives. There’s no chance they’d be where they are today without their Gap time. One of my boys describes his Gap time as “the gift that keeps on giving” and can’t understand why every student doesn’t take a Gap Year.
So reach out to us today if you’re on the fence or just want to learn more about how profoundly impactful Gap time can be!
