What I got out of my gap year

I decided in March 2016 that I would take a year after graduation for myself, without any long term responsibilities. When I first told my family and friends that I would be taking the proverbial “gap year”, they were apprehensive to say the least. I took a gap year for a simple reason: I was not happy with the graduate schools I was admitted to. Upon visiting, I knew that the fit was not for me — I was not excited about their programs, the people, or the cities that they were in. I did not want to end up at a place because I felt like it was my only option. Additionally, I did not feel that I was able to spend enough time on the applications. I knew that I did not want to go to industry immediately after undergrad — although I did apply to a few companies (again did not feel like it was the next opportunity for me). In the long scheme of things, one year is not a long time. Honestly, I needed a BREAK. I became so busy during undergrad that I had to sacrifice doing a lot of the things I loved. The sacrifice paid off in the end, but my body, mind, and spirit needed time off.
I had plans for the summer to work as a sponsored researcher in London through an internal scholarship from my University. Beyond the summer I did not have a set agenda. I knew I wanted to travel more, read more, meet new people, and learn more techniques related to my field and hobbies. But again, I did not have a particular schedule or idea on how I would accomplish all I set out for the year.
Well fast forward to now, my gap year is coming to a close. I wanted to reflect on the things that I have learned and accomplished. Whether your gap year comes at you voluntarily or involuntarily, I hope you find some use in my reflection.
Stay open-minded
I started my summer immediately after graduation in Europe (literally a few days after graduation). Keeping an open-mind about everything tremendously helped my outlook and overall feelings. Additionally, my positivity and flexibility were evident to my employers (and was rewarded through recommendations and opportunities). At the same time, being flexible about hours and opportunities allowed me to make the most out of my time. Although I stay open-minded, I also followed up and showed up when necessary.
There will be hurdles
It took me a long time to find a place in London. During the limbo period I couchsurfed and stayed with friends. When I found a room near work and settled in, I was presented with another hurdle. Since I recently graduated, I was no longer a student and although all of my funds came from the U.S., I could not work in a lab without a visa. I was given three options: stay in London and just attend meetings, start over in Sweden for the remaining two months (less strict visa laws), or go back to the U.S. and apply for a visa to work in London. I decided to go back to the U.S., apply for a visa and hope for the best. During the two months waiting for my visa back in the States I volunteered in a research lab. This opportunity was given to me because my employers in London saw how eager I was to get experience and additionally I was someone they wanted to help (based on being positive and flexible). At the end of the two months of volunteering, I secured a full-time paid temporary position in the lab after my time in London. That’s right, two months after graduation and getting another lab experience, I secured my next year.
Ask for help and do the dirty work
I got to London in September after a successful visa with about half of my scholarship funds to last me five months (when I originally only budgeted it to last two months — yikes!). Most of the funds I had went to the visa application and the room I was originally renting in London. It was clear that I would not be able to afford to stay in London for 5 months, but I knew having the experience in the lab would be important (& who doesn’t want to live in London?!). I sought out help and found a way to make it work. I knew that I could not get the funds on my own. Being able to admit the places where I lack and find the resources to conpensate for them is the greatest skill I have learned. I reached out to people who would be able to help and even met with people in person to discuss my situation. This resulted in getting gracious support that allowed me to stay in London. This did not happen over night. While I was getting the funds in order, I had to think about other options. I found out that a lot of people in London have live-in help for young or older family members. I interviewed for positions and landed a live-in nanny position for reduced rent. With my schedule I would be able to work mornings and afternoons in the lab and nanny in the evenings/weekend. I should preface this by saying I do not particularly enjoy being around kids. Yet — at the time, this was the best option (only) for me to have my own space and be able to stay in London. Did I mention I am not afraid or ashamed to do the dirty work? And by dirty work I mean doing things that you may not enjoy or that do not fit your credentials. I took the position and worked all day while additionally applying to graduate programs and scholarships.
Being in this financially limiting situation gave me even more motivation than ever to pursue higher education. Additionally, my gratitude for experiences and opportunities I have been given increased. Although the work week was rough for me, I was thankful for all I have been given. Having a long commute to work and having to be responsible for another person gave me further understanding of my purpose. This experience honestly helped shape my personal statement essays in my applications.
Experience the life YOU want

During my gap year between undergrad and grad, I have visited nine countries, became a part-time nanny, read forty books, learned macrame, spent time with family and friends, spoke with middle school students about college, gave the closing speech at a leadership program ceremony, earned a national scholarship for graduate school, was admitted into schools that I love. Most of all I was able to focus on my lifestyle choices (exercise, food, self-care yay!).


I am not advocating that everyone go and take a year off. But if you find yourself needing a break, do not feel like you should not or that you would be “wasting time”. Listen to your body. Good health is key to success. I am immensely happy that I decided to take a year off and really focus on myself and the next chapter in my life. Had I listened to my family and friends I may be in a program that I did not love. Through the ebs and flows of this time period I was given clarity of mind. I feel refreshed, genuinely happy, and most of all, ready for my PhD! Take the risk, go with your gut.


Thank you to all of the beautiful souls I have met or reconnected with this year, either through passing conversations, short stays, or week-long adventures. Thank you to those who have supported me spiritually or financially. I love you and I appreciate you.
“Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.” -Bill Gates
What are your goals for the next 1, 5, 10 years?
