Taking a gap year to travel the world between high school and college was one of the most transformative decisions of my life—and it’s a choice I believe everyone should consider, even if it’s not the conventional path. At 17, I embarked on a journey that took me to Gambia, Namibia, and Ecuador, and what I gained from those experiences far exceeded anything I could have learned in a classroom. But here’s where it gets controversial: while many see college as the immediate next step after high school, I argue that a gap year can actually better prepare you for academic and personal success—a point I’ll explore in detail.
My travels weren’t just about seeing new places; they were about immersing myself in cultures that challenged my perspective. In Gambia, I was struck by the daily struggles of women and girls who walked miles carrying heavy water containers on their heads. Their strength was awe-inspiring, and I felt compelled to join them, even if just for a day. As my neck ached and my scalp bruised, my admiration for their resilience grew exponentially. This experience, so far removed from my life in Long Island, New York, was exactly why I had chosen this path—to step out of my comfort zone and grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
My gap year was a patchwork of diverse experiences: teaching English in Gambia, caring for horses on a wildlife reserve in Namibia’s Kalahari Region, volunteering at an elderly care center and animal rescue in Quito, Ecuador, and exploring the breathtaking Galápagos Islands. Each of these experiences taught me practical skills—like budgeting and time management—that became invaluable in college and beyond. For instance, in Gambia, the nearest ATM that accepted my debit card was a six-hour round trip away, with a daily withdrawal limit. Overnight, I went from being financially dependent on my parents to mastering the art of budgeting. Similarly, in the Kalahari Desert, where heat stroke was a real threat, I learned the importance of punctuality and planning—skills that later helped me excel academically.
But the real lessons went far beyond logistics. As a white-presenting Colombian American, I experienced what it felt like to be the minority for only the second time in my life. In Gambia, children would excitedly yell “toubab” (Mandinkan for “white person”) as I walked through markets. Instead of feeling offended, I used these moments to reflect on my own unconscious biases and privilege. This awareness has since shaped how I navigate the world, helping me become more empathetic and self-aware.
And this is the part most people miss: a gap year isn’t just about taking a break—it’s about preparing for the challenges ahead. When I started college, I felt calm, confident, and refreshed, having already processed many of the anxieties my peers were just beginning to face. While others struggled with separation anxiety or social pressure, I had already learned to adapt, resulting in a high GPA and internships that noticed my maturity. More importantly, the year gave me a global perspective, freedom from the digital noise, and a deeper understanding of who I am and what I value.
That’s why I’m encouraging my sisters, aged 18 and 13, to take gap years too. I want them to experience life beyond the pressures of academics and social media, to learn from different cultures, and to discover themselves without the constant push to achieve. College is already a significant financial and emotional investment—why not enter it with clarity and preparedness? Their experiences will undoubtedly be different from mine, but if they emerge with a stronger sense of self, it will be time well spent.
But here’s the controversial question: Is our rush to push students into college immediately after high school doing them a disservice? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you think gap years are a luxury, a necessity, or something in between? Let’s discuss in the comments!
