POV: Gap Years Prepare You for Grad Years

As a college freshman, everything is new and exciting. You sit in your classes and absorb the philosophical readings of new feminist theory. You complete wet labs for general chemistry. Everything is isolated to a very specific structure. But, it is invigorating. You are motivated to take on the world. However, nowadays we are told undergraduate degrees are not enough. You need a master's, a Ph.D., or some advanced degree. This is disheartening because undergraduate degrees are taxing. By the end, your energy has been drained and your anxiety about life has increased.

Over the last 5 months, I have come to value my gap year more than anything. I know it’s enticing to go to medical school or law school right away. Your mindset is, let’s just get this over with. However, a gap year has been preparing me in more ways than one. Personally and professionally, serving as a National Health Corps Member will aid me in my future career and schooling. Here is a list of reasons why a gap year is the right choice: 

1. Applying what you learned 

Many of us go into healthcare because we are passionate about helping others. We learned about health disparities and how to work in an underserved community. College is mostly about theoretical readings and ideals. Gap or service years are about applying and experiencing what you learned. Instead of reading an article that 28 million US citizens lack health insurance, you are actually working with those who are uninsured. Linking faces and people to statistics and ideas reminds you that real people are affected by what is taught in an intro to poverty course. 

2. Breather from school 

Most college students exit the four-year institution with a degree and a mental health disorder. Studies show that anxiety and depression significantly increase during and after college. While university is fun, there is a lot of pressure to do well and succeed. Gap years give your mind and body the strength to not be anxious all the time. Instead of spending Sunday nights cramming for a Microbiology exam, you can spend time cooking a new meal. Instead of coming home from a day of school just to complete more homework, you can try out a new hobby. Taking a step out of the academic world will give you space to breathe again.
 

3. Meeting new people

One of the most valuable things about a service year is the relationships you build. Sounds cheesy, but it is accurate. A structured program like the National Health Corps not only provides professional development but provides social development as well. Since NHC is all centered around breaking down barriers to healthcare, most members are like-minded and need to create a better health system. That one thread that ties the group together, allows for quality friendships to be fostered. Not only do you meet people who can discuss hot-button topics like abortion care or doulas, but you can also have movie nights or go out to a happy hour. The community that a service program creates is one that is forever bonded.

4. Personal growth 

Service years are hard. Gap years are difficult. Being in your early 20s is generally not a fun time. You may be feeling lost and a little disassociated. Your life for almost 18 years has been orbiting around the school. A service year provides you time to figure out your personal goals. What values do you have? How are your interpersonal skills? Are you a good communicator? Gap years force you to see yourself outside of being a student, but as an actual human. Learning to live in a space that is yours is a difficult one. However, a gap year will push you out of your comfort zone. From working with clients to spending the evenings alone, at the end of it, you may not recognize who you were a year ago. And that is a good thing. 

In the end, gap years service you and you service them. Deciding to take a year or two off to reorient yourself is never a bad thing. Also, most secondary programs (MD, JD, MPH, etc.) prefer students who have taken time to hone in their interests and develop passions outside of work.