Holly Bull, Center for Interim Programs President, Interview About "Filling the Gap"

Time Out for Students

Holly Bull was recently asked to speak at the South Orange-Maplewood Adult School in NJ about the "Gap Year Advantage": the many benefits of taking time gap time before (or during) college.

Local journalist, Rose Bennett Gilbert, interviewed Holly who pointed out that in the past young women and men who took time away from school were thought to be "indecisive or uncommitted to their educations," which is no longer the case. The reality is that gap time is "a great option for anyone who is trying to figure out who they are and what they really want."

Another benefit counteracting the effects of our current stressful academic culture, is how gap time leads to more rested and focused students who are typically more excited about their studies following some time to decompress, explore the world, and choose experiences that light them up.

Additional advice Holly offers to parents and students:

• Do your due diligence on possible gap programs
• Plan carefully so you don't have too many gaps during your gap year
• Include some hands-on practical experience

Read more gap year insights in Ms. Gilbert's article on the Adult School website.