Recognized my own value, became more self-directed, Paris, France — Gap Year Stay Review: 'The Time I Became the Owner of My Life'

#Became more independent and proactive; broadened my thinking #Recognized my own value, experienced Parisian culture #Impressed by Parisians' relaxed confidence

Author: Lee Don-woo
Country / City: North America/Canada/Toronto
Views : 2619

I decided to take a leave of absence, that is, start a gap year, to break away from being the same ''machine'' as others and to find out what my true value is, what my unique characteristics are, and how to make use of those traits.

- Paris, France, Gap Year Stay / Lee Donwoo, gap-yearer/gapper / 8-week gap year

# Change Is Needed

As an engineering student, I really studied ''hard'' while attending school. ''Studying hard'' meant perfectly handling the given assignments and studying solely to do well on exams. As usual, while diligently working on assignments on my laptop in the dormitory,I suddenly felt like I was a ''machine.''

Performing assigned tasks without any curiosity felt like a meaningless repetition of actions, like a mass-produced machine passively carrying out pre-programmed work. Thinking that continuing my studies like this would make it difficult to recognize my true value, I chose to enlist in the military and temporarily paused my studies.

After being discharged from the military, I planned to return to school immediately, but I felt I would just revert to being a passive, machine-like person who mindlessly handled assigned tasks, so I felt the need for change.

# Beginning a Gap Year in Paris.

By taking a leave of absence, I was able to do things I had wanted to do—travel, read, volunteer—and over time I began to change more proactively. However,For a greater change, I had to break away from ''familiarity'' and seek ''newness'',, and in the meantimethrough social mediaI discovered a ''Paris Gap Year Stay'' program.

It was an opportunity to live for two months in Europe, which I had never visited before, and in the very attractive city of Paris, to focus solely on my own time, so I applied without hesitation and was fortunate enough to be able to participate.

And so I began the gap year stay,and it was extremely enjoyable to experience Paris firsthand.The European-style architecture, people leisurely reading in the Luxembourg Gardens, the night view from the Montmartre hill—everything was fascinating, and I was able to feel emotions I had never experienced before.

# Charming City, Paris

In particular, people sitting on the street eating sandwiches, rarely using umbrellas even when it rained, and jogging in parks wearing sleeveless clothing even in winter—I was most impressed by how Parisians seemed unconcerned with others'' gazes.Their behavior was 180 degrees different from mine, who always watched others'' reactions and, trapped by social stereotypes, acted passively only within assigned tasks, so I experienced not a small shock. I was able to directly observe Parisians'' relaxed and confident manner as well as their formal and polite side, and through all of that I was able to reflect on myself.

# The People I Met There

Working at a guesthouse, I got to meet many guests who worked in various industries, which was very enjoyable, but before that,I believe I was able to have even more meaningful time because there were staff members with whom I shared hardships and joys while working together.Whenever there were difficult tasks, we helped each other, and during our free time we traveled together and had many conversations, so those times were the most memorable. Also, influenced by the staff''s positive mindset, I developed a mindset that allowed me to overcome difficult situations more easily. Thanks to the staff, I was able to have a more active and enjoyable time.

AndMeeting people with various dispositions made me realize how narrow my thinking had been, and I was able to learn knowledge from fields I didn''t know about.

For example, I had only thought of the aesthetic aspects of European architecture, but through various people I met in Paris I learned historical facts such as why a building was constructed in the Romanesque style and why it transitioned to the Gothic style, so I could personally feel the flow of French culture.

#Recognizing my own value.

I may not have been able to completely change from how I was before, but it is true that a rapid change occurred through the Paris gap-year stay. By directly experiencing Parisian culture and meeting various people, I began to understand my own values and characteristics, which made me more independent and active.By recognizing my true self, I was able to take ownership of my life.For me, the two months in Paris were extremely precious and full of happy memories. I confidently recommend the gap-year stay to those who want to discover their true worth and authentic self, and to anyone who wants a special experience and time of their own.

★Tip for future participants★

I want to offer words of encouragement rather than advice. Because the gap-year stay program was not created simply as a travel program, participants may face difficulties when working or meeting people. However, the time spent participating in the gap-year stay is undoubtedly very new and precious—an experience you may never have again in your lifetime. Even if there are hard times, I hope participants recognize that this is their own special and valuable time and spend it more meaningfully.These moments are too precious to waste. Stay strong and have an enjoyable gap-year time.

My gap year is,

Experience★★★★★

In Paris, France, I felt the distinctive European atmosphere and met many different people, which allowed me to have experiences I had never had before.

Learning ★★★★★

New experiences broadened my way of thinking and gave me positive energy.

Environment ★★★★☆

Aside from the common presence of pickpockets in Europe, there was no inconvenience in daily life.

Safety ★★★☆☆

You should pay special attention to safety, as dangerous situations — such as terrorist attacks — can occur at any time during a gap year.

Leisure ★★★★☆

There was plenty of free time outside of working hours, so I was able to relax.

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