If there’s one thing we’ve learned since March 2020, it’s that it’s impossible to predict the future. We urge you not to be discouraged if your initial plans for your gap semester haven\u2019t worked out. Ultimately, the gap semester is about getting to know yourself, trying new things, and preparing to start college in January energized and refreshed. There are plenty of unique opportunities to do all of those things, no matter where you\u2019re located. If you’re still unsure, Academic Advisor Jeffrey Sierra recommends connecting with your advisor<\/a> this month to talk through alternate plans to make the most of your time away from campus.<\/p>\n Be nimble<\/strong><\/p>\n Now\u2019s the time to get creative. \u00a0Under the best circumstances, says Associate Dean for Student Academic Life Stacy Godnick, taking a\u00a0gap<\/span>\u00a0semester<\/span> requires you to be nimble, creative and comfortable with the unknown. \u201cCurating your own experience, imposing structure on your life after 18 years of inherent structure is challenging to say the least. Tack on a pandemic and it is extra challenging.\u201d In 2021, you\u2019ll have to be nimble and creative in planning your gap semester. If you\u2019re looking for inspiration, check out our blog post on ten creative ideas for how to spend your gap semester<\/a>.<\/p>\n Make a plan that reflects your goals<\/strong><\/p>\n One thing hasn\u2019t changed \u2013 your gap semester should be about you. Do something that interests you, makes you happy, and puts you closer toward achieving your own goals, whether they\u2019re academic, professional or personal. \u201cAssess for yourself what is most important to you and what areas you want to grow in, and construct a plan that reflects these goals and aspirations,\u201d says Academic Advisor Matthew Bae. \u201cRegardless of outcome, you will learn the most if you are basing your\u00a0gap\u00a0semester\u00a0plans off of your own values and interests.\u201d<\/p>\n Create opportunities for yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n Students who get the most out of their gap semester don\u2019t wait for opportunities to find them. They seek out and create their own opportunities. \u201cThis year in particular I have told my students that in a way this is the perfect fall\u00a0gap\u00a0to create your own internship opportunity,\u201d says Academic Advisor Heidi Chase. \u201cSell yourself into an opportunity, don\u2019t wait for one to find you.\u201d She recommends identifying what skills you have to offer, and then reaching out to local businesses to see if they could use some extra help.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Build a structured routine<\/strong><\/p>\n The best way to take control of a gap semester that might seem overwhelming is to add structure to your days. \u201cJust like high school summers, the time will pass quickly,. So setting up a routine and planning early will help you maximize your time,\u201d says Chase. Whether you\u2019re phone banking for a political campaign or launching your YouTube account, set up designated blocks of time to work toward your goals. Having a routine will keep you on track and help you make the most out of your time.<\/p>\n Free yourself from idea that there is a right way to spend your gap semester<\/strong><\/p>\n The most important thing to remember is that there isn\u2019t a right or wrong way to spend your gap semester. It\u2019s not about having the perfect trip to show off on Instagram, or an internship that looks good on a resume. Your gap semester is about exploring your interests, learning how to create an opportunity for yourself, and doing something that makes you happy. If you plan to do any of those things, you\u2019re off to a great start.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/cgs\/files\/2019\/07\/adventure-daylight-desert-6496-465x300.jpg\")
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