“Senioritis” … a word that describes the burnt-out behavior of a senior. Every year, seniors tend to check out mentally at the end of their school year and only have two months to get it together and go right back to school. But it doesn’t have to be like that, especially during this pandemic. I think more seniors should take a gap year.

A gap year is a year to take time for yourself and finally not think about school. The main goal is that you can do whatever during this year: find new hobbies, focus on work, travel or pursue new interests (which you never had any time to do). Which everyone needs–whether you think you need it or not. Going immediately back to school after you just finished four years of hell is OVERWHELMING to say the very least.

Taking a gap year also makes you value your university education. Experiencing the real world forces you to take a step back and figure out what you want to do with your life. Especially if you have no idea what you want to be, like me. A gap year lets you explore different paths in life and helps you fine-tune what you want to major in.

It’s especially important now to take a gap year due to COVID-19. With many schools switching to eLearning, many students are still paying in-person tuition for online learning. A gap year can allow you to get more bang for your buck while you wait for Ms. COVID to leave.

A break from the rigorous coursework is a tremendous amount of help to your mind. Taking a gap year would allow you to learn in the real world instead of a classroom. It finally and gives you a chance to build your resume, possibly go on a self-finding journey, find new hobbies and find what you want to do in life.