JANUARY 2020 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 37
Taking a year off to explore sounds nice, but is it worth it? (Photo via pxFuel)
TAKING THE YEAR
BY SHERYL NANCE-NASH
A year can be short or an eternity. Much depends on what’s going on. And if you’re
talking about the 365 days after graduating high school, the time can be sacred.
Some say keep the momentum going and go directly to college. Others believe living
a bit before taking on advance academia is ideal. How best to decide whether you
should take a gap year?
“Make a pros and cons list,” says Igor Mitic, co-founder of Fortunly.com. “Figure out
things for yourself instead of following the expected path. It’s much better to lose
one year when you’re young than to struggle with choices you felt forced to make.”
Know thyself.
“A gap year can be the best or worst thing for someone,” says Syed Rizvi, M.D.,
online medical educator and founder of Rev Med in Woodbury. “Students who plan
ahead of their gap year to do courses, travel for career purposes, and research,
could define their interests. WHAT’S INSIDE continued on page 38
40 41TIPS
PETS PARENTING
FAMILY & EDUCATION
THE PROS AND CONS OF TAKING A GAP YEAR
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