Taking a gap year may seem like a foreign idea to the average student with dreams of heading off to college as soon as they receive their diploma. Taking a gap year may not be for everyone, but for some people is a great alternative.

After 12 years of education, taking a year off may be exactly what some people need.

During this year, some students travel but most graduates will choose to join the workforce. This allows more time to gain work experience while also saving funds for their expensive college tuition.

Senior Malia Delacruz stated that “taking a gap year might be a good idea because it’s an opportunity to experience an unstructured environment.”

During this year off, there is plenty of time for students to consider their futures and ensure that they make the right choices.

If handled correctly, a gap year could be very beneficial. However, there are some potential downfalls.

Senior Alan Lunar explained, “You can easily forget what you learned senior year and then have to catch up once you get into college.”

Besides being a year behind fellow classmates, they could become comfortable with life outside of school. Many students who join the workforce, may start to enjoy making money and spending it, rather than saving for tuition. They may never want to return to the stress, structure, and rigor of academic life.

Whether you’re a supporter or opponent of students taking a gap year, it is clear that there are many pros and cons of taking a year off.