A Gap Year before College

Instead of going to college after graduation, I plan to take a year off, possibly two, before enrolling. I will do some traveling and work. Do you have any other suggestions about things that I might do? My parents are afraid that I'll never go to college, but college is my ultimate goal. -- No Studies for a Year
Answer: Taking time off for a year between high-school graduation and starting college is commonly referred to as a gap year. Students frequently do this to travel, work, have adventures, explore careers and volunteer. To gain from a gap year, you must make it a memorable experience. You can't just sit around at home or work at a boring, dead-end job. You need to have new experiences and face challenges so you will be growing intellectually. It's a great time to find out more about your interests, passions and life goals. It should give you a better idea about what you want to study in college.
The sky is the limit when you think of all the things you could do. You could be part of a political campaign in an election year. You could climb Mount Everest. You could write a book or make a movie. You might want to read "Taking Time Off" -- the story of 26 young people and what they did during a gap year.
Colleges generally support students taking a gap year, as it helps students to mature. So tell your parents not to worry.