With the class of 2024 working on their college applications, many VHHS senior students aim to be accepted into 4-year colleges. However, gap years have begun to increase in popularity as an option that promotes individualized personal development.
Tiffany Heinlein, a VHHS counselor, said gap years differ for each person. During this time, individuals can grow their self-awareness, which can help them gain a better understanding of their future ambitions.
Emma Hoffman, a student of the Class of 2024, graduated a year early to pursue her gap year. Currently studying in Barcelona under the Don Quijote schools, she said having the privilege to study abroad and take a gap year has allowed her a fresh start and a new perspective on education. Instead of associating school with a negative connotation, she said she looks forward to returning to school with an optimistic perspective.
Becki Bellito, a VHHS college counselor, suggested that students take time-efficient steps when planning a gap year. Bellito recommended taking advantage of school resources such as reaching out to the CRC through appointments as early as possible for smooth planning. She added that the decision to take a gap year should also be discussed with the family.
Bellito said, “Gap years can cost a lot of money. So I think having those [family discussions] as soon as you start to realize you might have an interest in doing a gap year,”
Despite Hoffman feeling fortunate for her gap year, she has experienced a bit of isolation in seeing her class have the senior experience. Therefore, she advised those considering a gap year to take a leap of faith, but carefully weigh the pros and cons, avoiding an overly optimistic outlook.
Liz Wietrzak, the transition coordinator at VHHS, said that structuring a gap year should be a priority.
“A gap year also needs to be structured; it can’t just be a year of not making progress or not moving forward or exploring opportunities,” Wietrzak said.
Wietrzak suggested that if you’re planning to resume your education after a gap year, enrolling in CLC courses can help you stay connected to a classroom learning environment. Otherwise, it may disrupt the student’s academic drive.
“A lot of times students will start working, they’ll start making money, and then they find it more and more challenging to go back and start taking classes,” Wietrzak said.
For specific gap year opportunities, Bellito and Wietrzak advised going to the Gap Year Fair at New Trier High School in January.