Taking a 'Gap Year' Before College: Pros and Cons

Summary

In the interview, Professor Elizabeth Armstrong discusses the growing trend of taking a gap year before college, citing its potential benefits for personal growth and autonomy. She notes that while Malia Obama’s decision to take a gap year before attending Harvard has drawn attention, it can be beneficial for many students. Armstrong highlights the importance of emotional and psychological development during this time and suggests that working, traveling, or pursuing internships can offer valuable life skills. However, she acknowledges that financial constraints may limit access to such opportunities, potentially widening inequality.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Malia Obama will attend Harvard University after taking a gap year.
• ⏳ Taking a gap year before starting college can be beneficial for students to gain autonomy and maturity.
• 💼 Not all families have the resources like the Obamas, so funding a gap year can be a challenge.
• 👨‍💼 Working during a gap year, even in non-career-related jobs, can offer valuable life experience.
• 🧠 A gap year provides psychological and emotional space for students to handle the complexity of college life.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 It's important to get some space from parents, teachers, and peer expectations during a gap year.
• 🧳 Traveling during a gap year without organized programs can foster greater autonomy and independence.
• 💰 Some students, like the interviewer's son, work during their gap year to save money for travel and other activities.
• 👩‍🎓 Gap years are becoming more common in the U.S., though there's no systematic research on how widespread they are.
• 📊 Taking a gap year might exacerbate inequalities, as only those with financial support can fully benefit from the experience.

Q & A

Who is the subject of the discussion in the transcript?

Malia Obama, the oldest daughter of President Obama, is the subject of the discussion.

Which university will Malia Obama attend?

Malia Obama will attend Harvard University.

What unique decision did Malia make before starting college?

Malia decided to take a gap year before starting college in the fall of 2017.

What are some potential benefits of taking a gap year, according to Elizabeth Armstrong?

Elizabeth Armstrong mentions that taking a gap year can provide additional space for students to grow, gain autonomy, and develop psychologically and emotionally before entering college.

Does taking a gap year carry a stigma of being lazy, according to the transcript?

No, Elizabeth Armstrong does not believe taking a gap year carries a stigma of laziness, especially if students use the time productively, such as working or gaining life skills.

What financial challenges might students face when considering a gap year?

Most families do not have the resources to fund a gap year, which can make it difficult to have a meaningful and developmentally useful experience.

What does Elizabeth Armstrong say about the type of activities students should pursue during a gap year?

Elizabeth Armstrong suggests that students can either pursue career-oriented activities or work to save money for school. The gap year can help with emotional maturity and handling college responsibilities.

What personal example does Elizabeth Armstrong give about her son taking a gap year?

Elizabeth Armstrong shares that her son took a gap year after his first year of college, working in landscaping to save money for travel. He encouraged traveling independently without relying on travel agents.

How does financial privilege affect the ability to take a gap year?

Financial privilege plays a role in a student's ability to take a gap year, as not all families can afford to support their child during this time, which can exacerbate inequalities.

Is taking a gap year becoming more common in the United States?

According to Elizabeth Armstrong, taking a gap year is becoming more common anecdotally, but there may not be systematic research to quantify how widespread it is.