One thing that I often hear is that the senior year is very stressful. I believe that stress is largely a good thing, but high school seniors truly do have a load on their shoulders. Let's look at just a few of the things that might be stressing them.

1. College Applications
2. Competitive Admissions
3. Financial Concerns (HUGE debt that might take a lifetime to pay off.)
4. Decision-Making Pressure (please tell us what you want to do with your life right now so that you can study it for 4-12 years AND pay for all of that.)
5. Expectations from Others
6. Fear of the Unknown (Leave home, start a new life…)
7. Balancing Responsibilities 
8. Pressure to Succeed
9. Social Comparisons
10. Parental and Peer Expectations
11. Testing Stress
12. Fear of Rejection
13. Time Management
14. Transition Anxiety

OK folks. Can we agree that this is a doozy of a list? 

I was listening to a podcast from one of my favorite gap year providers (he's been at it for 25 years) and he said that the enormous weight of 'figuring it all out' is the hardest part of being a young adult. That we take away the magic of discovery when we weight it with so much expectation and expense. Especially now, when their future is somewhat maligned by the state of the world. 

When I was in college it was affordable and not so darn stressful.

LOOK AT MY COLLEGE INVOICE ABOVE!

I lived in the dorms! It was $293 per quarter! 

Tuition was $414! 

For the meal plan it was $333 for 20 meals a week FOR THE QUARTER!!!! Books….$100???!!! 

I can't stop with the exclamation points!!!!!!! 

If you have a kid in college you know that this is crazy. I can't open an email without a random $80 fee tacked onto it.

The crazy business of visiting colleges from here to Timbuktu hadn't begun. There was really only one option and you're looking at it. When I attended, college offered a great opportunity to explore and try on different fields of study. I wasn't bankrupting my future or my parent's retirement. I could dabble (and dabble I did) and I could fail. (did that, too) But I wasn't penalized financially because of it. 

Long story short…a gap year is a great choice. 

Embarking on a journey beyond the traditional bounds of academia can be a transformative decision for a high school senior, and a gap year stands out as a compelling choice. As a senior, the pressure cooker of college applications, competitive admissions, and financial concerns can feel overwhelming. A gap year offers a powerful antidote to these stresses, providing a unique opportunity for personal and academic growth.

Consider the freedom to breathe and reflect outside the whirlwind of application deadlines. A gap year allows you to step back, gain clarity, and define your dreams and aspirations on your terms. This pause is not just a break; it's a chance to see the bigger picture and make more informed decisions about your future.

Standing out in college admissions is a universal aspiration, and a gap year can be your secret weapon. Use this time to build experiences that set you apart, not only making your applications shine but also enriching your understanding of the world. This isn't just about getting into college; it's about preparing for a future where your unique experiences become your greatest assets.

Financial concerns often loom large, and a gap year isn't a detour—it's a bridge. Take this time to work, save, and alleviate those worries. Use your earnings to invest not only in your education but also in a broader perspective that will serve you well in the long run.

Decision-making pressure is real, and a gap year provides the space to explore interests and discover your true passions. It's a chance to redefine success on your terms, untethered from external expectations. Take control of your narrative, and let your journey be the guide.

Social comparisons and the fear of rejection lose their grip in the face of a gap year's resilience-building power. Embrace the unknown, face rejection with a newfound understanding that it doesn't define you, and bounce back stronger. The lessons learned during this year of self-discovery become an invaluable part of your narrative.

In a world that often feels like a race against time, a gap year is your time. It's a deliberate pause, a structured adventure, and a tool for building resilience, confidence, and a unique perspective. So, high school senior, consider the power of a gap year—a bridge to a future where your journey is as important as the destination.

I could go on and on….and I did. :) Please reach out if you know a dear young soul who is eager to explore the world, themselves and how those two things can intersect in harmony. I have ideas and inspiration for every budget.