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#Began to love myself; career goals became clearer #Regained self-esteem; learned how to break free from others' judgment #Overcame fear and felt happiness
Through the trips I took here and there, I think I learned how to enjoy traveling. I''m a perfectionist, so I liked traveling but I wasn''t good at enjoying it. I used to worry, ''Where should I go?'' and then randomly take a bus; if somewhere felt right I would get off and look around and allow myself the leisure of thinking, ''Wow, I didn''t know a place like this existed.''
-Jeju! I want to live there, Gap Year Stay / Yoo Hyejin, gap-year tribe gapper / 8-week gap year |
"If you keep going like this, you''re going to be in big trouble."
I used to habitually visit the gap year website a lot. Each time, I thought to myself that I wanted to have that kind of time too, but I think I tried to deny it. I entered university later than others, and I was carrying the heavy burden of being a job-seeking student, so it wasn''t easy to dare think of the word ''gap year.'' My parents were also strongly opposed. I had been spending my vacation busily and chaotically day by day, and as the second semester approached... My inner self seemed to be saying, ''If you keep going like this, you''re going to be in big trouble.'' At that time I was mentally very exhausted, and I was so tired of relationships with people that I had cut off all my social contacts.
Above all, I couldn''t see any hope for life. The reality of pouring myself into grades, English scores, and credentials without even realizing what I truly wanted. Relationships that made me feel even more lonely, my self-esteem constantly falling, and the pressure about getting a job made each day one where I just wanted to cry.I felt that if I didn''t run away somewhere, something would go terribly wrong.So when I saw this project, I applied immediately without much thought, and left a week later.
To be honest, I was also very afraid. Two months is by no means short in my twenties, my parents didn''t readily give their permission, and also...I wondered if I could survive well going to Jeju Island where I had no connections...
A vow to make it a time of growth, not an escape.
Before leaving for Jeju for my gap year, I left with the thought of accomplishing exactly two things. First: to be able to love myself fully, To love myself as I am.Until just before leaving, my self-esteem was actually at rock bottom. I felt like I was a useless person in this world and didn''t even know why I should live. Countless negative thoughts filled my head. I was living each day diligently, but the more I did, the more I felt my inner self collapsing. The more that happened, the more I came to hate myself intensely.
The second goal was to return with a clear plan for my career.Like others, I was preoccupied with grades, assignments, TOEIC, and such, but I really didn''t know why I had to live that way. Others said those were the answers, so I lived like that too, but I felt that if I continued I would end up living a life of regret. I decided I should no longer be swayed by answers set by others. To live my true life, I decided to seriously get to know myself! What I truly like, what I''m good at. After seriously reflecting on those things, I resolved to set clear future goals and come back.
As you move, you can find joy and discover yourself.
I think I traveled around Jeju almost every day for nearly two months. For those who will take a gap year in Jeju later, I''ll recommend a few places where I found joy.The first places I want to recommend are the islands. Even within Jeju you can visit various islands, each with different charms. I visited Udo, Marado, and Biyangdo, and I loved all three.Udo is famous for its peanut ice cream, and at Marado, the southernmost island in Korea, I was fortunate enough to see dolphins.
Also be sure to check out the comical dol hareubangs and jangseung at Jeolmun Natural Recreation Forest, and the forest in the coastal scenic area. At the coastal scenic spot, walking while looking at the rocky cliffs and the sea, I once again felt the grandeur of nature. If you like movies, I also recommend the Film Museum. ^^
Through the project I really went everywhere and discovered new pleasures. HoweverWhat I really want to tell those interested in this project is that it is by no means easy.The time left after working is entirely my own, so you can freely travel or study as you wish. But the work itself can feel difficult. You may have to clean toilets you''ve never cleaned before, take out the trash, and sometimes be upset by difficult customers. Since you''ll be doing unfamiliar tasks, it may be hard at first, and living alone may make you feel lonely. But once that short period passes, these things become routine and only happy days will be waiting.
The situation didn''t change. But I did.
After visiting Jeju Island, in fact everything around me remained the same. But after I changed, the way I accept my surroundings changed.I find myself thinking as positively as possible and feeling grateful even for small things.My values in life have also changed a lot. The biggest realization and resolution isNever be swayed by others'' words or prejudicesLet''s not waver or hesitate.That''s it. Anyway, life happens only once, and as long as I don''t regret it, that''s enough, so I decided to stop living my life according to others'' opinions.
Also, I think I reorganized my thoughts about the people I''m grateful for. Until I left, I often felt that I was alone. But I''m definitely not alone. A high school friend who secretly came to see me on my birthday and Chuseok, a junior staff member who sincerely cares for and worries about me, a close older sister who always tells me she''s cheering me on, and my very precious family, etc...I realized that I had taken the people around me for granted.Although we may be physically apart, I felt that our hearts are connected tightly, and I no longer feel lonely.
Through the trips I took here and there, I think I also learned how to enjoy traveling.I''m a perfectionist, so although I like traveling, I wasn''t good at enjoying it. I would worry ''Where should I go?'' and then randomly get on a bus; if something felt right, I''d get off and look around, taking the leisure to think ''Wow, there''s a place like this.''I don''t read maps well and I''m fearful. So before starting a trip, vague fear would overwhelm me,Somehow, while finding my way with a map,when I reached my destination I got a great sense of accomplishment, and my fear was able to turn into confidence.
Now I think I won''t be scared no matter where in the world I go, and I can travel well on my own. The biggest lesson I learned in Jeju is that you know nothing until you go. You don''t know what will unfold once you get there. But I also realized that the happiness I was looking for was there. Going forward, I''ll try to go on any trip with courage.
A gap year is not wasted time.
I am endlessly happy, as if I had been dreaming for those two months. While my friends worried about jobs and assignments, I pondered ''Where shall I travel today?'' and lived with simple yet happy worries like ''What if it rains—what about the laundry?'' In fact, you could say I was stagnant compared to others, but during those two months I gained the courage to live anew and my outlook on the world changed. It may look like I''m taking a roundabout route compared to others, but I feel like I''m storing up energy that will let me fly someday.I am sincerely grateful to the gap year that gave me this precious experience and to myself for having the courage.
Also, through the gap year project, my perspective on the world changed. What my happiness is, and that there are always people who heal you as much as the world hurts you. So if someone asks me about this project, I''d actively recommend it.
To me, a gap year is:
Experience ★★★★★
If you travel on your own often, you seem to have many valuable experiences you can''t gain anywhere else. Also, since there are many foreign guests at guesthouses, with a little effort you can have new experiences every day.
Learning ★★★★☆
The learning I want to talk about here seems to be learning about life and about myself. I was able to feel many inner lessons that I wouldn''t feel in everyday life.
Environment ★★★★★
Jeju, with its best nature that is 180 degrees different from the busy urban environment. I think Jeju has the best environment that can rival any foreign country.
Safety ★★☆☆☆
Although Jeju is part of Korea, there are many risks for a woman to move around alone without a car.
Especially after 6 PM, many places are completely dark with no streetlights, so be careful about going around at night!
Leisure ★★★★☆
If you go just a little outside in Jeju, everywhere is a natural attraction, so I think it''s perfect for enjoying leisure.
