[Receiver of the Letter]
Subject: Taking a Gap Year after High School
Dear Adam,
How are you, my dear cousin? I hope I find you in sound health and prosperity. As you are well aware of the global pandemic situation going on, I am taking online classes for students at the university. I visit the university premises once a week for any office work or an important meeting. However, most of the academic tasks are administered by me from home. I expect that you are also taking all precautionary measures against the covid-19. I heard that you have done quite well in your high school final year exams. I always knew that you are going to be the shining star of our family. I heard from your mother that you are planning to join university without taking a gap year. My dear Henry, taking a gap year after high school is not only going to help you in building your future, it will help you figure out your future goals, mentally recharge your exhausted mind and make you independent. It is going to be a life-changing step in building your future career. Let me enlighten you about some of the most important features of the gap year.
A gap year does not mean that you are going to be one year late in your university studies. You have a wrong assumption about taking a gap year (Martin). The gap year is going to help you consider your future academic field. It will help you to set your personal and academic goals. Many students choose the wrong academic field which results in major failures in life. I assure you that a gap in your academic career will boost your cognitive and professional skills. During the gap year, you can do internships in one of your favoring field company. I know you have big goals in your life. You have a soft corner for cancer patients because you lost your brother Eric to it. I suggest you start volunteer work for cancer patients. It will ease your mind and give you ample time to think about your future academic goals. The CEO of the gap year program Robin Pendoley stated, “Gap time is a chance to reconnect with your love of learning and a sense of curiosity about the world” (Taormina). This will give you mental satisfaction and peace. Eric will also be at peace seeing you prosper and relaxed.
After these consequent years of high school, you need a break. I have seen students in my university mentally exhausted and depressed because they did not pursue gap years and are struggling in their university studies. You have psychologically isolated yourself from your family and friends because of the loss of Eric. Eric will never be at peace if you become a workaholic. You need to spend time with your family and friends. You should come over to my place sometimes. You need to move on and honor Eric with something more positive. You are a devoted student and I have seen you studying hard for your academic studies. According to my view, you need a break from your academic studies for a year. There are many countries like Yemen, where taking a gap year is mandatory (Katz). You need to freshen up your mind for the long academic and professional career ahead of you. The gap year is very important for your psychological and physical health. Taking a gap in your studies does not mean that you sit at a home, party, and relax. You should indulge yourself in recreational activities, jobs, volunteer work, and travel to your favorite places to catch up with your friends and family members (Torpey).
A gap in your academic career will also give you opportunities to start a professional career, become independent, and socialize in new environments. You will have enough time to do your aspired job and start becoming independent. Independence is your major goal in life. You can start saving from the job which will help you with your paying university fees. Starting a job before the university will help you to socialize in different situations. You will meet new people, handle different tasks, and groom your personality. You can easily adjust yourself to the university environment because of your professional exposure and experience. This massive opportunity in a gap year will polish you for your future academic and professional goals.
Therefore, I highly encourage you to take the gap year before starting university. If you want to accomplish any of your goals, a recharging gap year should be your choice. I care about your health and life goals. You are a mature person now. You should live your life according to your terms. You have the right to make your own choices. However, as your elder cousin, I hope that you make the right choice.
Yours Lovingly,
A.B.C
Works Cited
Katz, Lisa. “Gap Year Programs in Israel for North American Youth.” About.com Judaism. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014.
Martin, Andrew J. “Should students have a gap year? Motivation and performance factors relevant to time out after completing school.” Journal of Educational Psychology 102.3 (2010): 561.
O’Shea, Joseph. Gap year: How delaying university changes people in ways the world needs. JHU Press, 2014.
Taormina, Trina. “Gap Years: What Is A Gap Year Before University (And Should You Take One)?” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 10 Apr. 2012. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/10/gap- years-what-is-a-gap-y_n_1416247.html>.
Torpey, Elka Maria. “Gap Year: Time off, with a Plan.” Occupational Outlook Quarterly 53.3 (2009): 26-33.
