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The Gain of Losing TimeJun 27 '01 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line It can often be a good idea that should be carefully considered along with its potential drawbacks. In the midst of the decision, the Master Designer should not be ignored. Time off can either be an enriching excursion, an avoidance, or mere dissipation. What it becomes is largely up to you. Enrichment Most people that I know took time off between high school and college have told me that it was worthwhile. Typically, however, these were responsible people with a degree of maturity already. Examples of what they did and what one can do abound: 1) Take a trip to somewhere in the world with a purpose. For example, soaking oneself in a different culture, learning its language, exploring its sites, etc. can broaden your horizons. 2) Pursue a hobby to the hilt! If you are into a wholesome hobby, you can really try to delve into it to the max. For example, if you play good music well, you could try setting up gigs or even doing recordings. If you play a sport well, you could play it through camps, tournaments, leagues, etc. 3) Work! This can be multi-purpose: a) save money for college b) gain some experience which can aid in getting future jobs c) check out a job area you might be interested in pursuing later d) help/serve others e) give you greater focus and maturity when you actually do go to college. 4) Re-apply. If you did not get into one of your top choices, you could try again. I know of people who initially got rejected but then re-applied and got accepted. Of course, it wouldn't hurt to also use the time to do worthwhile things that the Admissions Committee might note favorably. 1-3 can all fit in this category. Avoidance & Dissipation Be careful that this time doesn't just get frittered away. If one is simply trying to avoid college and/or the responsibilities that come with adulthood, watch out! You might find yourself going through some mid-life crises of your own making. Instead, think in terms growth and development--along with enjoyment and contributing in some way to others. Mere dissipation of time weighs down the heart. Doing nothing is, when it comes down to it, often rather boring. Going into a selfish hole is NOT what I'm advocating. I'm not saying to go and become hyperactive and frenetic. Balance is important in life too. I am saying, however, that time is too precious to waste. Each day is a precious gift! Deferral Many colleges and universities, if they want you to come their school, will allow you to defer your admission into that school for a span of time, often up to one year. This is even more likely if one can explain how worthwhile your plan for the interim year is. Other schools require you to re-apply. If you get an acceptance from a place that you really want to go to, it can be a tough decision to have to re-apply. On the other hand, if they liked your application enough to accept you the first time around, what are the chances that they will reject you with a worthwhile extra year tacked on? The risk, even if its small, may still be something to consider. On the down side, you might miss being in the same graduating class as your former peers. You might feel more out of sync because of this. Also, it might break up some of the continuity and momentum that you may have built up. Applicability and Wrap-Up What I'm saying here generally applies whether you take the time off before or during college. Taking the time off can bring greater direction, focus, meaning and panache to life. On the other hand, it may cause greater wandering, delay, aimlessness, and frustration. In other words, there are pros and cons to be weighed in whether or not it would be wise to take the time off. I'd recommend exploring your options and gaining sage advice from the best sources that you know. Finally, don't neglect to pray. The Master Designer of Life has a plan for you: finding it is a great adventure!  |
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