I have no regrets about earning my college degree. Achieving that milestone was a personal goal and a vital step away from a difficult family environment after high school. However, when it came to what I truly wanted from my college experience, I was completely lost.
I adhered to the conventional path. I studied diligently, secured loans, and maintained the grades necessary to graduate in four years. Ultimately, I walked away from a respected university with a horticulture degree that I’ve never utilized in my career. My diploma serves as an expensive reminder of my realization—after four long years—that horticulture wasn’t my true calling. While the degree provides credentials, the most valuable lessons I learned during those years could have been gained outside of a traditional college setting.
While my children are still too young to think about college, I’m already hearing from experts about the importance of saving for their future education. Higher education can be exorbitantly expensive, but I don’t feel compelled to set aside funds for their college. I value education, but I managed to finance my own schooling without assistance from my family. If my kids choose to pursue college, I’ll help them find a way, but I won’t cover the entire cost of tuition.
I hope they will take a gap year after high school to work, earn money, and invest in their future—whether that means college or a trade school. Gaining work experience will help them understand the daily grind of employment. Exploring different jobs or internships in areas they’re interested in could either reinforce their passion or steer them away from paths that may not suit them. College is simply too expensive to jump into without a clear sense of purpose.
Teenagers often get a bad reputation for being disengaged or overly reliant on technology. Yet, the teenagers I encounter are thoughtful and kind, but they carry an immense amount of pressure to excel. Many are already fixated on college applications and career paths long before they’ve even graduated high school. It’s unrealistic to expect them to have their futures all figured out at such a young age.
The mental health crisis among U.S. teens and young adults is alarming, with skyrocketing suicide rates highlighting the need for a more compassionate approach to their well-being. As parents, we should not add to their stress by pushing them toward financial burdens associated with higher education. Taking a year to rest and reassess is not a sign of laziness; it’s an opportunity for growth.
During my college years, I spent countless hours in therapy, unraveling personal challenges that detracted from my academic experience. Despite my struggles, I felt compelled to graduate. While I’m not discontent with where my life has led me, I wish I had known that taking time off could have been a viable option.
A gap year would provide my kids with the chance to travel, learn new languages, and immerse themselves in diverse cultures. These experiences could expand their horizons and help them appreciate perspectives beyond their own. Traveling and working in various parts of the country can also guide them in deciding where they might want to study or settle down in the future.
Life is too short not to explore and embrace new experiences. College will always be an option, but the chance to travel and satisfy wanderlust shouldn’t be overlooked. I want my children to understand that there are multiple paths after high school.
I have no intention of letting my kids take the year off without responsibilities. A gap year is not about idleness; it’s about learning to juggle real-world responsibilities while the stakes are lower. This time will allow them to explore various avenues and make informed decisions about their futures, ultimately leading to a more purposeful college experience.
For more insights on navigating this journey, check out this other blog post. There’s a wealth of information available for parents considering options for their children’s futures, such as the valuable advice from Cleveland Clinic.
In summary, I believe a gap year can be transformative for my kids, allowing them the freedom to explore, learn, and develop a clearer sense of direction before embarking on their higher education journey.