EDITORIAL: Normalize gap years for all types of reasons
We need to end the stigma around taking a step away from school
With Rutgers' spring break practically here, now is the time to examine not just the function of structured academic breaks but also the many reasons why students may choose to take time off from school.
Gap years are something that all students have heard of, whether that be taking a year off after high school before applying to college or taking a break before enrolling in graduate school. But it seems like there is a certain stigma attached to taking a gap year.
It seems as if a person needs to present a reason that is deemed valid by society. For example, many college students decided to take a leave of absence or defer their college enrollment during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, some for financial reasons and some to avoid virtual learning.
While people may say that a remote setting during COVID-19 warrants time off from school, there may be other reasons to take a step back from school that are more likely to be frowned upon.
Someone who is trying to break into the creative writing field may take a gap year or two before pursuing a graduate degree in order to dedicate more time to personal projects and develop their craft. But they could likely be labeled as privileged or lazy from taking this time off as compared to students who decide to take gap years before law or medical school.
Law and medical school programs are known to be rigorous, so when students take time off before immediately enrolling, it is as if they deserve it or are entitled to this time off. And it is important that we expand our perspective as to what constitutes a valid reason for taking time away from school.
Our society tends to place more value on speed and efficiency. If someone says they are overloading on credits and graduating in three years, they are often met with praise and admiration for their determination. But if someone says that they are taking an extra semester or year, they are more likely to be interrogated and face unnecessary judgment.
If someone needs to take a semester or year to take care of their mental health, deal with family issues, travel, make money through working or just figure out their life, they should not be looked down upon. Attending university and earning a degree is a huge milestone and privilege within itself, regardless of how long it may take.
People learn and grow at their own pace, and it is important to remember that it does not always have to be a race to the finish.
Yes, time is limited and inherently extremely valuable in that sense. But it is not just about speed — it is about how you use your time. If you are in school and cannot fully show up as yourself and put your best foot forward, it is important to feel comfortable enough to take a step away and recharge.
This is why academic breaks should not only be less scrutinized but completely normalized. College students should not be worried about being interrogated by their peers, family members or future employers about why they decided to take time away from school.
A study even found that college students who took gap years could be seen as more favorable in a recruiter’s eyes, largely thanks to the ripple effects of the pandemic.
This is important to emphasize because gap years should not be viewed as a waste of time. If someone has a plan going into a gap year and a clear vision of what they want to get out of it, it can benefit them in the long run and be a worthwhile investment.
But even if a person makes the personal decision to launch a personal project or get a job during their gap year, it is not necessary for a person to use their gap year to necessarily advance themselves. Not every day of our lives needs to be dedicated to getting ahead of the next person.
Taking a semester or year of rest is completely valid. We should not attach morality to the decision to take time off. It does not make you lazy or spoiled if you are doing what is best for you.
In a world that pushes optimization and forgets to simply enjoy life, taking time to take a deep breath and literally do nothing is probably a good thing. For this to happen, though, we need to change how we view time off from school.
We cannot continue to perpetuate damaging stigmas as people may feel pressured to stay in school even when it is not what is best for them, and we should support someone and their reasoning without judgment.
The Daily Targum's editorials represent the views of the majority of the 155th editorial board. Columns, cartoons and letters do not necessarily reflect the views of the Targum Publishing Company or its staff.
