High school graduates should take a year off before entering college so they can decide on the future they want. They would have more chance to travel to new places, bring back knowledge, find a part-time job, and help earn money to pay for college fees.

After graduation you think it’s over. It’s finally over. All that crying, stress and hard studying is finally over. What do you do now if you haven’t picked a career that interests you? How can you go to college without your mind set on a clear career path? Taking a year off before entering college can give you time to experience more life as an adult so that you will be able to decide on a future. Nowadays people are jumping into college right after graduating from high school, and most of them are not sure about their field of study.

Many students find the college selection process difficult. Maybe you weren’t accepted into your top school, or you didn’t find the college of your dreams. You can use your gap year to continue your search for the right school, while taking classes and getting involved in other activities to strengthen your application. You can re-apply the following semester. Being on your own not only can be fun but build your self-confidence and maturity level. Look at a gap year as a positive transition from family home to college dorm life.

Alfred Odong,

South Sudan