When a high school graduate decides takes a gap year it is usually to travel the world but not me. I was advised and then forced into a gap year due to a medical condition. My traumatic brain injury had taken a turn for the worst after my second concussion during my senior year. It was decided for me during April of my senior year that I would defer a year from the school I had committed to. I was also told I had to take the entire year off and I couldn't pick up a course or two at a community college and I wasn't allowed to get a job (I ended up breaking the job rule). I was to spend the year recovering. I was told my gap year would be the best thing that has happened to me and I would enjoy it.They didn’t tell me when someone would asked if I was excited for school in the fall, I had to tell them I would be taking a gap year and see the disappointment in their eyes. They didn't tell me that the day ALL of my friends left for college I would feel like a huge failure. It was never discussed that I was going to be the one left behind. It was never mentioned that I would constantly go stir crazy from never leaving my house. I was never home all throughout high school especially on the weekends and I suddenly had twenty four hours of free time seven days a week and I had absolutely no idea what to do with myself. The highlight of my day suddenly became picking up my brother from school everyday. There was a lot of things everyone forgot to mention about taking a gap year things like. Surprising one of your “little sisters” at her first christmas concert and seeing her smile light up the room. Being able to go to New York for a weekend and see your favorite musical’s closing show. Sitting through the downpour with your friends watching all of the soccer games Columbus weekend. Having a nice quiet lunch that was just you and your grandfather (that never happens) while your grandmother was in surgery. Being able to be at your grandmothers bedside her entire hospital stay. Randomly showing up at UCONN to surprise one of your best friends you hadn't seen three months. Being able to watch a disney movie and color with your “brothers” and “sisters” after school and listening to how their day was. Getting on skis for the first time in four years since my accident. Spending my birthday weekend in my favorite place on earth with some of my favorite people. Having a cupcake war and then jumping in snowbanks in shorts and tank tops with friends. Watching the SU/VT basketball game from the 10th row with a great group of people. Those were just some of the moments that everyone forgot to mention about taking my gap year. I know for a fact because of my gap year I will appreciate my time at Witt next fall twice as much and I CANNOT wait to have my degree and pursue my dreams.
What They Forgot to Mention When I Took a Gap Year
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