Team Gap Year! When I decided I wanted to become an occupational therapist my original plan was to take a gap year (and a half) after I graduated from college. I was graduating a semester early to earn some money for school and gain some more experience. I also wanted to finish my anatomy prerequisites and observe some occupational therapists. When I did not get into OT school my first time around I was pretty discouraged because I definitely did not want to take another gap year. The waiting process, spending more money on applications, afraid of losing momentum, and burn out from my job were some of the reasons I dd not see myself taking a second gap year.
I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself and apply again. While improving my resume (which I will go into more detail in a later blog post) I also embraced my second gap year. I was able to save more money, find a wonderful job, and enjoy my downtime. If anything my second gap year increased my momentum! I’m so excited and ready to go back to school and learn so much more about our field. I truly believe my gap years are going to help me become a focused student an eventually a competent occupational therapist.
So are you considering a gap year? Do not be afraid of it! If it’s in the cards for you then DO IT! Think of it as an opportunity for growth.
Thanks for reading!
