UA seniors break the taboo surrounding gap years

BY ANDREA CAMPOS @DailyWildcat

Graduation season is upon us, an important and well-deserved milestone for our senior Wildcats! Planning for what comes next can be tricky, even scary at times, but should never be an isolating experience.

Joel Moreno is a senior studying information science. Moreno recalls having a lot of good memories from his four years at the University of Arizona. One of his favorites being a football game against Arizona State University, where UA fans rushed the field.

When it comes to gap years, Moreno has more negative than positive feelings arise, although he has considered it.

“A lot of it is negative because I feel like I’d be wasting a lot of time where I could be doing something. At the same time, taking a gap year is a good opportunity to destress or even just think about what I really want to do. It’s kind of mixed feelings,” Moreno said. Moreno contemplated what taking a gap year could look like for him.

“I would probably travel around a little bit. Maybe do some volunteering to get some experience. Or maybe just do nothing and relax,” Moreno said. “Mostly, I would want to take a gap year for the extra time but also saving money.”

Moreno advises future seniors to not rush through their time at the UA.

“I wish I had more time here at the UA. My advice is just to take your time, have fun and relax,” Moreno said.

Johana Quintero, a double major in financial planning and family studies, feels uncertain regarding gap years.

“I really don’t know what I want to do just yet. Even though I am a senior graduating, I still have no clue what I want to do.

That’s why I’ve considered a gap year,” Quintero said.

For Quintero, a gap year would involve working in order to save money for graduate school.

“I would also try internships. Really just put myself out there and explore different options. Financially wise, I think I’d save a lot of money. I don’t want to go into grad school and get a degree in something that in the future I might not practice. Taking that year could really help me find what my passion is,” Quintero said.

Quintero admits taking gap years can be risky but emphasizes the importance of putting yourself out there.

“Growing up, my mom always said once you step out of school, it is tougher to get back in. You get too invested in making a certain income, and you think you might not need to go back to school and get that education,” Quintero said. “Graduation is approaching and you might not feel like you have everything set after, but things pull through and you will be successful.”

Enoch Spiro is a senior studying studio art. Spiro enjoys the everyday student life, like going out, getting food and talking to friends.

For Spiro, taking a gap year brings up feelings of comfort and an opportunity to regroup.

“Figuring out what you’re doing. I mean, most people can’t find a job unless you have done a lot of internships or get really lucky,” Spiro said. “More time to plan. A lot of people rush into things, and that’s not the best way to do it. Then it’s easier to make mistakes. Planning is good.”

Spiro provided a glimpse into how he would spend his time if he took a gap year.

“Probably try to network. Work on my art portfolio. See if I can get any jobs later, so preparing,” Spiro said. Taking time off can have its benefits, Spiro added, particularly concerning mental health but also some disadvantages.

“Getting extra time to relax after school. Four years of school is a really big commitment,” Spiro said. “If you’re not working during that time, you’re probably not getting that experience. You’re losing out on potential money. You have to go back home with your parents. A year is a lot of time, so if you’re not really doing anything, it’s kind of a waste.”

Bridgette Lamkin, a psychology student with a minor in sports nutrition, feels regretful she did not take a gap year during her four years.

“I feel like I missed out on a year because of COVID-19 and somewhat wish that I had taken some time to figure out what I really want to do because now I am graduating in May and I am still not sure exactly what I want to do,” Lamkin said.

In terms of taking a gap year after graduation,

Lamkin says it’s a possibility.

“It would give me some more time to think over what I would really like to do with my degree and if I want to continue studying it and going back to school,” Lamkin said. However, Lamkin did express her anxieties surrounding gap years.

“Getting a bit lazy and out of a routine of going to school. I might get a little bit lost after that gap year,” Lamkin said. “I think it’s a really good opportunity to take a step back from what you’re doing and figure out what your next step is,” Lamkin said.

Lamkin’s advice for Wildcats is to take advantage of the college experience.

“Take advantage of the university’s opportunities, like all the clubs and all the resources within the university,” Lamkin said. “I think a [gap year is a] really good opportunity to take a step back from what you’re doing and figure out what your next step is.”

WE CELEBRATE!

Congratulations to our Franke Honors Graduates!