Through the gap year, I was able to face parts of myself I hadn’t known before. I was able to sort out many thoughts, and because I had many new experiences this was a very special time for me. Through the many people I met in Paris I learned to paint without hesitation. I also developed an eye for appreciating art. I discovered that expressing my thoughts through paintings or photographs is truly enjoyable and something I can happily do. - Paris, France, Gap Year Stay / Kim Ji-yeon, gap year participant (gapper) / 8-week gap year |
" Slowly, starting with small things
This year I decided I would do only the things I truly want to do.It was great luck that the start of that was a gap year stay.Through meeting many people in the gap year program, I discovered what they commonly regret.
"Why didn’t I think to try new things when I was younger?"
Even as they said that, they told me countless reasons why they had no choice but to stay where they were.
Those stories made me reflect on my past—on the times I listed reasons why things would be difficult before even trying. I vowed that from now on I wouldn’t hesitate in the face of anything new.
Once I made up my mind like that,new opportunitiesI realized they were everywhere.
paintingWhen I approached a friend who was painting and asked if I could hold the brush just once, I was able to learn to paint in front of a larger canvas. To a talented photographer...photosI found out that if I showed him my photos, I could help prepare his photo exhibition.FrenchIf I mustered the courage to say in French that the croissant was so delicious, they’d throw in two extras.buskingI also newly discovered that by giving buskers a drink and a small tip, a stage for me would unfold right before my eyes.
As I began to slowly take on small challenges, bigger opportunities started to come my way.
Now I feel that seizing those opportunities one by one and finding the new me is how I should faithfully spend the rest of my gap year.
I sincerely hope that everyone about to start a gap year program can have as special an experience as I did.
"The self I hadn’t known until now"
Through the gap year I was able to face the parts of myself I hadn’t known until then.
I was able to organize many thoughts, and because I had many new experiences it was a very special time for me. Through the many people I met in Paris I learned to paint without hesitation. I developed an eye for viewing art. I also discovered that expressing my thoughts through painting or photography is truly enjoyable,something I can enjoy doingI discovered that as well.
"After having a gap year"
I developed a desire to experience many things. I felt it’s difficult to judge whether something suits me without actually trying it. Even if I don’t make drawing or photography my career, I thought that by having diverse experiences—like gaining hobbies I’ll keep for life—I would surely gain a lot.
Gap year preparations
Things that were inconvenient to be without: I didn’t have enough books to read.
Items that were convenient to have: Having a laptop is very useful.
Packing tips?!
Most of thedaily necessitiesare all available, so you don’t need to bring them. However, if you plan to travel to another country after your gap year stay, you should pack only the bare minimum.
