Gap Time

I noticed on my Facebook page last week that one of my good friends commented that most high school graduates would greatly benefit from a gap year or two before entering college. Although she didn’t express it, I know she made that comment based on her observation (and personal experience) that so many high school graduates simply aren’t ready for college right away. Many of them are tired of school and want some time to explore. Many of them don’t have the skills they need to be successful: resolving conflict, managing time and priorities, maneuvering the college bureaucracy, taking seriously the commitment. This topic—determining college readiness—is, of course, the whole point of Toward College Success: Is Your Teenager Ready, Willing, and Able.

I strongly agree with my friend that many teenagers would benefit from taking a gap year. Whether he or she participates in a structured program, a situation your family creates, travels, or just gets a job, gives them some time to experience life without the pressure of grades. Some teenagers pursue or discover a passion during a gap year—one that can lead to a career. Some find out that working at a minimum-wage, uninteresting job makes school look very appealing. And some find an entirely different path to follow. But the point is, many teenagers need that gap time. The idea of a gap year is fully discussed in Toward College Success.

My friend went on to say that she believes mandatory national (non-military) service after high school should be required of all young people. I know that such an idea would be highly controversial, but I happen to agree with her. Only I would say give all high school graduates or 18 year olds (whichever comes first) the option of national civil or military service for at least one year. I realize it would require a big government operation to run a civil service program of this size, but I also believe it would be a great investment in our young people and a way to help many communities in need (isn’t that most?). I can envision the teenagers that choose civil service as teacher’s aides, as social service aides, as national and state park workers, and much more. I also envision them earning a small stipend and monetary awards toward a college education. But mostly I envision them learning life skills that will lead to their success in whatever path they take.

What do you think of a gap year, or mandatory military or civil service? And if you agree on that idea of national service, how do we move such an idea forward?