27 26 F or some students, the path from high school to college is clear-cut. But for others, taking a gap year can be an eye-opening, life-changing decision. Just ask Francesca, who stepped away from traditional academics to explore her options, experience life abroad, and gain a deeper understanding of herself before committing to university. Born and raised in Japan, Francesca had never lived abroad, though the idea intrigued her. A visit to her brother ’s college in the U.S. sparked a new curiosity about studying in another country, but she wasn’ t sure. "I thought a gap year would help me decide if I wanted to study in the U.S." Instead of mapping out every detail, she left room for spontaneity. Her only concrete plan was to audit a university semester in the U.S., but beyond that, she kept an open mind. Financial concerns initially worried her— she didn’ t want to burden her parents. However, she was for tunate to have their encouragement, and she suppor ted herself through working par t-time jobs. "Not many people can take a gap year or go abroad, and it ’s not cheap. I’ve become more grateful for everything, especially my parents’ suppor t," she shared. One of the most impactful par ts of her gap year was auditing classes at an American university. She unexpectedly found herself sitting in a senior year seminar class on the fall of the Roman Empire. Although challenging, she enjoyed it so much that this challenge was what ultimately solidified her enthusiasm for an American-style education. Living in the U.S. also brought cultural adjustments. Coming from Tokyo, where people tend to mind their own business, she initially struggled with the close-knit, small-town lifestyle. But over time, she grew to appreciate the warmth and community spirit, and even the local gossip. Another unforgettable experience was living with her grandfather, an 84-yearold, legendary college football coach. Observing his dedication to his players taught her about the power of connection and mentorship. "He always says everything goes by super fast and that you shouldn’ t take anything for granted," she reflected. "Everything is a once-in-a-lifetime oppor tunity." As her journey unfolded, she returned to Japan to spend time with her grandparents, took on a par t-time job, and even earned her driver ’s license. She tutored math and French, discovering that while she enjoyed teaching, it wasn’ t her true passion. Working in an American restaurant also opened her eyes to the value of diverse job experiences. Seeing her high school friends dive straight into university gave her a new perspective on her own unique path. Her gap year wasn’ t just about experiences - it deepened her appreciation for the oppor tunities she had. Her career ambitions shifted, too. Initially set on Political Science, she discovered a natural strength in working with people. "I realized I love interacting with and helping people, so now I want to study Psychology." Taking time off also changed her perspective on education. Having received a French education and now preparing for an American university, she’s excited to embrace diverse learning styles. Looking ahead, Francesca feels really prepared. Meeting people from different backgrounds helped her figure out the kind of person she wants to be - openminded and accepting of others. Her advice to students considering a gap year? "If you're thinking about it, do it! Any experience is valuable as long as you learn from it. If you’re unsure about what you want to do, taking time to reflect can be incredibly helpful." A gap year isn’ t for everyone, but for Francesca, it was the per fect choice. Her journey was filled with self-discovery, personal growth, and life lessons - proof that sometimes, taking a step back can help you move forward in the best possible way. TAKING A STEP BACK MAY HELP YOU MOVE FORWARD
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy