Back to School: But I did not go.....

It is almost September.  Stores are full of back-to-school specials and the air is full of fresh promises for the year that lies ahead. Are you watching your friends' newsfeeds? Are they full of Orientation pictures? Tales of their new beginning at college or university?  Or, are you tweeting about your Orientation experience and it does not feel right?  Maybe, you did not make the choice to leave school - it made it for you.  Well, guess what - you are not alone.

Every September, groups of young adults decide, learn or are influenced to postpone their educational careers for a year or two - or even more!  Others decided into their first few weeks of school that something else is on their mind more than school: taking a gap year.

Maybe you are a parent, family member of a young adult who needs help finding direction.  This coming October, we are hosting an event for young men and their families. Young Men - Finding Direction in the Millennium will offer families and opportunity to explore what it means to be a young man navigating the world.

Whatever the path you find yourself on taking a break from your regular routine - or what feels comfortable can be a great choice.  Many of our clients come to us in the Fall.  We would love to speak with you about what you are thinking about this fall!

Where to Start:

 Successful Gap Years &the mygapyear Advantage

Hello future gappers and interested readers.  Hope you found our series on myths about gap years helpful.  I believe there is something about our transition from spring into summer that causes us to think differently about our lives.  We spring clean our houses, wardrobes and for some our lives! With all the new growth around us - leaves on trees and the sprouting bounty of our vegetable gardens.  For many this is a time of transition as well - out of high school, away from college or university or the end of university. This is a great time for you - who are in one of those life phases or the young adult in your life to explore an opportunity to take a gap year, short or long, to 'spring clean' their life in 2012.

How do I plan a gap year?

1. Create a personal vision/goal ex. figure out my career direction; build self-confidence and independence; learn French
2. Write down manageable steps to support your vision/goal ex. use a calendar;
3. Create a budget for your gap year; think about things you love to do
4. Research related programs and experiences that relate to your vision/goals ex. volunteer to work with children overseas; learn French in France
5. Share your ideas and surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you to keep this vision alive
6. Reflect on your self-learning and what direction you want to take as a result of your experience ex. a different academic program; a different perspective 

Feeling overwhelmed? Not sure were to start?  That is where mygapyear can help.  We have a team of experts who are eager to help you discover your passions, goals and dreams.

The mygapyear Advantage 

Our unique approach develops confident and empowered young adults ready for the opportunities that lie ahead. We partner with you to create a meaningful gap year through:

• Coaching, Emotional Intelligence Building and Leadership Development

• A researched and personalized gap year plan

• Ongoing support and encouragement throughout the experience

Interested in seeing how we can help make sense of a gap year for you or the young adult in your life?  Or do you know a school, community group or individual we should get in touch with?  Visit our website or encourage the individual in your life who could benefit from hearing about our work to message us.  We would be happy to chat with you about your goals, vision and questions about your gap year.  

What's your elevator pitch?

What’s your elevator pitch?

I’m sure you’ve heard this before, - the idea of how you introduce yourself or explain what you do in a
smooth, flowing way? It’s harder then you think! Once you create something you’re happy with, try it
out on friends or colleagues a few times so that it sounds natural and polished.

Here’s the mygapyear introduction:

Our organization helps young adults who aren’t ready to take the next step, to find direction. We offer an alternate learning experience which is referred to as a gap year, AND we go beyond just traveling. We plan a year’s worth of experiences that includes a unique blend of coaching, Emotional Intelligence building and leadership development to help them move forward.

Maybe you have a few different pitches up your sleeve for different audiences. This is a great idea, if you find yourself in different situations, or need to be able to write something in an email. For example, if mygapyear is emailing students, we would say:

Feeling stuck or uninspired? Why not plan a gap year where you get to try new things, learn more about yourself and how you contribute to the world. Your gap year will help you gain independence and develop life skills that build your resume. It will leave you recharged and ready for the next phase of your life. mygapyear will research cool opportunities (that you might not have known were out there) and create a personalized gap year plan through coaching, emotional intelligence and leadership development. We help you capture your learning for life. So, if you had the time to do what you really wanted, -how would you spend it?

So what’s your elevator pitch? What would you say about who you are or what you do?