We are introducing a new feature in our blog that gives our students a chance to reflect on their gap year. We’re delighted to welcome Jackson, who completed his gap time in May 2025!
Why did you choose a Gap Year and what were you hoping to get out of it?
During the two years I attended my first school, I found myself increasingly wanting a change of pace from my previous routine. I was in a position where I felt unmotivated to continue pursuing my academic goals, and in need of serious time to pause and reflect on myself and my wants. Having understood that taking a gap year was the best method of giving myself that time, I wanted my gap year to serve as a period where I can refocus my career and personal interests in film and creative arts, giving myself time to grow and reflect in preparation for continuing my education, and knocking off bucket list items I wouldn’t be able to do normally, such as traveling to foreign places and taking part in various new experiences.
Briefly describe what you did during your Gap time
During the fall I traveled to Southeast Asia with a gap year program – a cultural immersion and volunteer experience that took students through various projects, outings, and activities across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. The following spring, I took part in a film internship with an independent production company based in Barcelona, Spain – a program that encouraged a strong balance between work study and international exploration. With these programs I was fortunate to have taken part in a diverse array of unforgettable experiences, including kayaking through the karsts of Ha Long Bay, working with elephants and other animals on a nature reserve in Chiang Mai, skydiving in Phuket, and backpacking with friends through France, Italy, and Portugal.
In what ways are you different now as a result of your Gap time?
In some ways, my gap year allowed me to grasp a clearer focus on how I want my future endeavors to look. Taking the time to try new things and explore new fields has helped me plan out my future academic and career aims that once appeared very vague, and given me an understanding of my personal goals and desires that will benefit me for many years to come. On a deeper level, however, my gap year taught me I’m capable of doing infinitely more than I once thought, and uplifted my confidence, esteem, and self-respect in a capacity I don’t believe is possible under any other context. My life and perspectives have changed in unbelievable and unexpected ways, and I attribute it wholeheartedly to my gap year experiences.
How did mentoring during your Gap time impact your overall experience?
For me, working with Katherine not only meant receiving assistance on how to best formulate the most suitable course of action for my gap year based on my needs, but having someone at your disposal to guide you through all personal items during a tremendously transitional period. I remember some of my fondest memories working with Katherine were here providing me strong contacts for school transfer advisors or giving recommendations for local jobs in between gap programs. Katherine’s caring and constructive approach to gap year advisement goes well beyond that of only a gap program consultant, and made my time from school all the more manageable.
