Don’t Mind the Gap

Our capability to concentrate on academic work has become even more challenging due to the stressful toll of the COVID-19 pandemic as it still affects our physical, mental and financial health until now. Though dropping out of school is not really a wise course of action, there is another choice: taking a gap year. Taking a gap year means taking a year away from the traditional education set up to allow students to reflect and engage in a different kind of learning after years of constant schooling. This could be to allot time for traveling, getting a paid job or an internship, taking a foreign language class, or volunteering for service work. It is not an easy choice nor do many people choose such a path. This is because one metric of success in our culture is to graduate "on time" and if we are not following the traditional academic route, we are considered disappointments already. Given such drastic circumstances, we must learn to finally deconstruct such a toxic belief system.

Education is a commitment and an investment given high regard as it is considered our ticket to leading a better life Most Filipinos grew up firmly believing that it is a one-way ticket That we are supposed to constantly move towards one direction, aiming for one concrete path of learning In our country, whether some would like to admit it or not, education is a privilege and time is a luxury no one can afford Consequently, it is not news to state that when we suggest the idea of taking a gap year, we are often met with condescending stares and even very verbal notions of disapproval from our family, friends, and peers

Admittedly, with the underlying guilt and potential regret, postponing one's plans and preparation for future goals may be rather difficult and nervewracking But in light of the events that happened in the previous years such as the pandemic, the latest election, and the rather unsettling increase in the crime rate and social injustice cases, education becomes even more unaffordable and is somewhat sacrificed as the least of our concerns when survival instincts kick in Moreover, when stress levels and expectations become too overwhelming, students find themselves burnt out and lost even though they had a clear direction before This is because along the way, students are faced with realizations and dilemmas For instance, some may desire to allocate more time for experiences or are suddenly hit with a financial crisis In life, you will learn that this is a normal occurrence; the fact that things do not go as planned because they are beyond your control or ability to handle

It is a difficult and a major life decision to make But if given the means to do so, taking a gap year can help you welcome new opportunities It is also a great way to refresh and reset your life a little bit;

Remember that learning is not limited to the four walls of a socially constructed classroom that seems to be tailored to certain types of people Sure, textbooks and school help you gain knowledge but it is the experience that helps you gain wisdom Sometimes taking an unconventional route is what you need to explore and discover your true passion, purpose or ideal lifestyle What you think may be a crash could actually be a landing Though the reality is excruciatingly unpredictable , have faith that everything will naturally fall into place

Ultimately, we all have our own paths to follow Some of us would prefer to take the conventional academic route, while others would benefit most from taking a gap year At the end of the day, the choice is still up to you as it is your life It comes down to your priorities and making the most of what you have If one small step away from your comfort zone can actually be a giant leap for finding your genuine improved self, then move forward with your head held high and simply don’t mind the gap