what America gets so wrong about gap years: why it’s killing a generation

In this video I am discussing the value that taking a gap year has in america or better said, the lack there of. Gap years are considered for teens and young adults who are "lost". I am breaking down exactly why that kind of thinking is problematic and unhelpful. I also talk about how viewing a gap year as a resume builder (while in some contexts can be a good thing) sets up the gap year person for failure. Taking a gap year is truly the process of wasting a bit of your time to refocus on what it is you would actually like to work towards. I discuss the tru benefits of a gap year and how america as a country fails students by not recognizing the value in anything that isnt deemed "productive".
FAQ's About Me :)
Age: 21
Year in School: Rising Junior at The College of Charleston
Major: Arts Management & Creative Writing
Where I'm From: Washington, D.C.
Instagram: @katie.blake7
Tiktok: @katieblake06
business inquiries: blakekatie852@gmail.com
Music by Mr. Jello - Summer Sunday - thmatc.co/?l=C782AC0A
what america gets wrong about gap years,taking a gap year in america,should i take a gap year,is a gap year a waste of time,gap year,how do i take a gap year,gap year idaes,10 things i wish i knew before taking a gap year,gap year after high school,why you should take a gap year,gap year advice,gap year ideas,gap year advice for students,gap year ideas tips and advice,reason to take a gap year,gap year after highschool,why i decided to take a gap year

Пікірлер: 18

  • @katieblake
    @katieblake Жыл бұрын

    YOu guys. I just realised I accidentally cut out a portion of the video where I discussed the value of having a job on your gap year. Having a job and responsibilities is great! I had a job on my gap year. However the point of the video is really just about facing the American culture of constant productivity and I hope that comes across. Anyway Have a good one! :)

  • @wes5519

    @wes5519

    Жыл бұрын

    Really enjoyed the video. I'm taking a gap year right now. I enjoyed the summertime off with friends and now that school has started back up for everybody I'm finding myself motivated to work on personal projects alongside my job. Learning tricks on a skateboard, 3D modeling, KZread, and some reading. I definitely wouldn't be devoting that time to all those things if I had school alongside it all. I think a gap year is a great idea 👍

  • @them_no
    @them_no8 ай бұрын

    FINALLY, someone talking about gap year videos that are sooo focused on building resumes and traveling. Like no? Gap years should be built on personal goals, some people don't want to travel, some wants for example to work on their mental health or reconnect with their loved ones. Thank you for talking about this

  • @zachdirects
    @zachdirects Жыл бұрын

    I took a semester off last year and I taught 1st grade as a sub. It was very valuable and I learned a lot about children and myself. It kind of made me appreciate college way more and in a way made me think about how I need structure and less random unfulfilled free time to feel happy. Like I miss the structure of having a "job" and getting roasted every day by six years olds. I mean how can you not laugh when a student comes up to and tells you that you have the same haircut as his mom, and my response being that I might have to bring her in the office to give her detention for stealing my style (he laughed at my response). In all seriousness though I think a gap year is valuable and it helps you figure out what you want to do and gives you a break. At first I was worried that like I'm gonna be 22 and still in school and everyone else I know is finished. Though none of that really matters... so here's to finishing senior year a semester or two late.

  • @annaschffr
    @annaschffr Жыл бұрын

    yessss!!!! i will be taking a gap year after i graduate college this year and, oh my god, the GUILT i have been feeling about it???? this was super grounding, thank you for this!

  • @junior230
    @junior230 Жыл бұрын

    I took a gap year. I started it last year but was obligated to do that because I wasn't prepared for college applications. As an international student, it's more difficult compared to Americans applying for colleges. My family isn't wealthy, and I haven't had the opportunity to study English before (I'm still learning the language), and I'm doing my best in this process. I wish good luck to everyone; God bless you all!!!

  • @EmmaLangdon
    @EmmaLangdon Жыл бұрын

    I thought this video was gonna be anti gap year lol but thank god it wasn’t and I loved it! I’m graduating year 12 this year and I’m planning on doing a gap year

  • @ritaa1359

    @ritaa1359

    8 ай бұрын

    hun americans dont say year for schools its just aussies and brits that do that there not gonna understand

  • @EmmaLangdon

    @EmmaLangdon

    8 ай бұрын

    @@ritaa1359 idk what you mean

  • @ChrisJohnsonChannel
    @ChrisJohnsonChannel Жыл бұрын

    Lovin theses chatty vlogs! A gap year is OK! You know you’re going for a college degree but you also know that life is not a race. Do some traveling and get lost…Sometimes you have to loose your self. to find your self. And THEN get that Degree!!

  • @SemesteratSeaChannel
    @SemesteratSeaChannel Жыл бұрын

    This is super great content, we love it!

  • @hannahdees1183
    @hannahdees1183 Жыл бұрын

    Hey Katie! Your videos have been so so helpful for my own journey through university and what comes next. Im studying abroad now during my senior year, and considering taking a gap year once I graduate. Your thoughts on things always seem to mimick my own inner monologue. It’s so cool to see how you’ve grown through all of your experiences. Thanks for making videos like this :)

  • @hassaanzafar4660
    @hassaanzafar4660 Жыл бұрын

    Hey Katie! How are you? I used to watch your vids regularly, been with this channel when you had a couple hundred subs, great to see now it’s almost 4K! You played a big role in my decision of taking a Gap Year. Wanted to let you know, a year later, I have been accepted in A Great Turkish University in Ankara. Thanks for everything!

  • @abonnema
    @abonnema Жыл бұрын

    Great video! Do you have a source for your stats at the beginning? Thanks and keep up the great work :)

  • @kamecalu
    @kamecalu10 ай бұрын

    Here's my problem (I'm not from the US so do keep that in mind) I'm taking a "gap year" currently even tho I do still have online university classes but that's like literally reading and doing a quick little test and shit and I can do my courses whenever I want. The thing is that I'm bored out of my mind everyday, I sleep late and wake up even more late, I have absolutely nothing to do and I'm gaining weight like crazy. I literally feel like I'm wasting my teenage years by doing nothing, and I'm like rotting in bed. It's crazy because I feel lazy and unmotivated as shit and I go to see a therapist and all, but it barely helps. I "dropped" out of college a few months ago and I'm 18, I wish somebody had told me that I'd be feeling like this so I would rethink my choices before taking a decision such as that. That's my experience tho, just sharing, I'm glad some people get to enjoy their gap years and I really wish that was my case (I did even get a job but I didn't like that either)

  • @jdbeyer
    @jdbeyer Жыл бұрын

    This is profound

  • @wills5945
    @wills5945 Жыл бұрын

    Lol I’m on a gap year now, to save money to deal with the uk cost of living crisis.