When high school ends, the next step often seems obvious: head straight to college. But for Haley, the traditional path didn’t align with her goals or her timing. Instead, she chose to take a gap year—a decision that gave her clarity, confidence, and life experiences that continue to shape her future.

So what exactly is a gap year? As Haley describes, it’s a time between high school and college that can be used to reflect, explore interests, earn money, or gain experience. Whether to travel, work, volunteer, or pause to make thoughtful decisions, a gap year can offer opportunities that aren’t always available on the fast track from diploma to dorm.

Making the Choice

Haley’s decision stemmed from two reasons: she wasn’t sure what she wanted to study in college, and her modeling career was gaining momentum. School obligations were beginning to clash with professional opportunities, and she felt torn between two paths. Taking time off allowed her to fully pursue modeling while giving herself the space to clarify her academic and career interests.

She always intended to go to college…eventually. But in the meantime, she built a resume, traveled the world, and found herself in the process.

From Sydney to Chicago: Life Beyond the Classroom

During her gap year, Haley lived and worked in Sydney, Australia, for four months, collaborated with New York and Los Angeles modeling agencies, and eventually settled in Chicago. Along the way, she worked side jobs as a server, nanny, and volunteer for children with special needs.

This wasn’t just time off—it was time well spent. These experiences reinforced Haley’s interest in occupational therapy, a field she hadn’t seriously considered before her gap year. Volunteering with organizations like Monroe Meyer in Nebraska and Shirley Ryan in Chicago gave her a glimpse into the profession. Shadowing therapists and talking with mentors solidified her choice.

Gaining Life Skills—and Perspective

Haley’s journey also brought personal growth. She developed decision-making and networking skills, learned to live independently, and became more flexible. “I used to be really type A, but modeling taught me to say yes more often and go with the flow.”

Haley said the gap year gave her greater confidence and resilience and sparked her love of travel. Eventually, this led her to study abroad in Madrid and later work with a modeling agency in Athens.

Facing Doubts and Defying Norms

Taking a gap year wasn’t always easy. Haley felt left behind as she watched her friends head off to campus, join clubs, and make new connections. But once she arrived at college, she quickly realized that age and year in school didn’t matter as much as she had feared. “College is a fresh start,” she said. “You choose your community. You decide what you want to be part of.”

Convincing her parents was another challenge. Her mom, a former model who had also taken a year off, was all for it. On the other hand, her dad had questions: What would she do? Would this set her back? Haley’s advice is to be clear on your “why”—what you hope to gain—and be prepared to discuss it honestly.

Practical Advice for Planning a Gap Year

If you’re considering a gap year, here are a few of Haley’s tips:

• Know your why. Are you hoping to recharge, gain experience, save money, or explore a passion?
• Do your research. There are countless programs, volunteer opportunities, and even grants available.
• Make a loose plan. Think about where you want to go, what you want to do, and how you’ll fund it. Presenting a general plan to your parents can ease concerns.
• Communicate with colleges. After receiving acceptance letters, call admissions offices to ask about deferring scholarships or enrollment. Some schools allow it; others don’t—but you won’t know unless you ask.

It’s Not a Detour—It’s a Launchpad

Taking a gap year doesn’t mean falling behind. For Haley, it was a launchpad that helped her align her passions with her education and career. Today, she holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy, and she looks back on her gap year as one of the most formative periods of her life.

“College will always be there,” she said. “Sometimes, taking a different path can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.”

By Jeannine Phelan

Assisted by AI