Exploring “brain space”: the gap year

When I was a freshman at Muhlenberg, four years of undergraduate education seemed like an eternity. I was certain that by the conclusion of four years, there would be no doubts in my mind about my future occupation and that my life would be this pretty, linear line to reach my goals. Now, as a second semester junior, I could not be happier to have been so wrong.

Describing my time here at Muhlenberg as “flying by” as the typical college attendee still feels like an understatement. It zoomed by, sped by; it feels as if I hopped in some time distorting machine and here I am, registering for senior year classes. Did I draw that pretty, linear line? Absolutely not. That line has so many different upward and negative slopes, and for the sake of not getting too mathematical and relating to my medical roots, it’s probably more like an EKG than a straight line.

The line is still going up, still going down, but constantly approaching the same goals, and then some. No path in your life is inscribed in stone. Recently, I made the decision to take a gap year before proceeding with my plans to attend medical school. As long as we have built some plans in our minds (approximately 5 years in my particular case), as detailed in nature as some plans are, the seemingly best of plans are still subject to change.

I’ve heard of a gap year be referred to as “brain space” and I’ve heard of incredible things people accomplished in this period of time from graduation to the next step in their lives. Gap years are not just limited to those wanting to attend law school, medical school or graduate school, as they are also taken before future employment. I’ve come to understand gap years are a common endeavor taken on by people but are unique to the individual as to what they are for. At a young time in our lives, from 21 to 22, a gap year can be whatever you need it to be. At the risk of sounding too idealistic, there are endless possibilities as to what you can pursue for a year with a Muhlenberg degree — whether it be a year of service, employment, or a combo of the two. Gap year programs are widely variable in both occupation and geographic location — from AmeriCorps and City Year programs within the United States to global opportunities from the Peace Corps and non-profit work.

As far as empirical data goes, few studies have been published on the actual outcomes of gap years. A study performed by Middlebury College found that the majority of students who took a gap year between high school and college obtained higher GPA’s and performed better overall, but this study was on gap years taken before attending college. As far as after college goes, there is a lack of studies in quantitative outcomes. From personal experience I’ve gathered, every person who I’ve spoken to has strongly encouraged me to take a gap year after their experiences.

I strongly admire and respect those who do not take a gap year and press on with their future plans after graduation with ambition and certainty. Likewise, I share the excitement with those who do take a gap year to explore opportunities outside of their identity as a student.