Time entirely for myself; learned to love life, Jeju Gap Year Stay Review "A Time I Truly Faced Myself"

#Let go of obsessive tendencies; confronted my true self #Time entirely for myself; learned to love life #Some disappointments remain, but no regrets

Author: Yang Jinju
Country / City: Oceania/New Zealand/Auckland
Views : 2776

A month of gap-year life, and even extending to a year-long leave from school, didn''t change me so much that it was visible on the outside. I still haven''t decided on a career path, and I haven''t even thought about the life blueprint that was my ultimate goal for the leave. However, I clearly realized that there is a wider world beyond school and that solid preparation is necessary to go out into that world.

- Jeju, Gap-Year Stay / Yang Jinju, Gap-Year Tribe Gapper / 8-week gap year

#Time invested solely for myself

Before participating in the gap-year program, I was overly conscious of the people around me and tended to be swayed by others'' words without conviction. I wanted to change that side of myself, and before graduating from college and getting a job,I applied for the gap year thinking it was my last chance to invest two months entirely in myself.

At first, after applying for the gap year and before going, I was very afraid of having to adapt to an unfamiliar environment on my own,I was very worried and even wondered if I had applied for no reason. After worrying like that, when I first arrived in Jeju, I received a lot of help from the staff who were there first and, contrary to my worries, enjoyed the first week. But after the other staff left and I was left alone, I felt so lonely and the awkwardness of being alone made me think about giving up. Each time, however, I comforted and persuaded myself and was able to complete the two months in Jeju safely.

#I chose it for myself, so I decided not to think about others.

While living in Jeju, I had to spend free time that I chose myself, and at first I wasn''t used to it, so I made many mistakes and had many days when my plans fell apart. But as I gradually adapted to the leisurely life in Jeju, I began to think, ''Haven''t I been obsessive about everything until now?''I chose the gap-year program for myself, and I realized that even now, envying friends'' job news and already worrying about the busy days on the mainland instead of living for myself is not right.

#Doing what I want

From then on, I spent two months in Jeju,and I didn''t feel like I had to visit every single place.

Each day, depending on my condition, if I wanted to rest I rested; if I wanted to see the sea I went to the sea; if I wanted time alone I went to a quiet place and enjoyed my own time; if I missed friends I struck up conversations with others, became friendly with them, and enjoyed that time.

#The reason I was able to face my true self

If I hadn''t taken the gap year program, during the time I was in Jeju I might have achieved something to show others, or perhaps I would already have been employed. Until now I have never completely let myself relax when it was time to relax, nor have I entirely avoided relaxing when it wasn''t. Even while I was having fun, I would constantly recall things I had to do and worries about the future in between — just like when I first arrived in Jeju.But as I gradually learned to focus on each moment and do my best, I grew to love my life, and it became an opportunity to face my true self.

#No regrets, even if there are some disappointments.

In fact, in the roughly twenty years I''ve lived, I didn''t face myself. It was scary, and it may have been so difficult that I didn''t even want to think about it.The time I spent in Jeju became a precious period that allowed me to focus on myself.Just the fact that I spent that time—alone, trusting only myself—for what could be short or long, and returned safely, made me proud of myself.

Looking back on the period I lived in Jeju, there are many things I feel regretful about. There are many times I think, "It would have been better if I had done this…", but since it was a process of finding my path—having gone down dead ends and into dark places—there may be disappointments, but no regrets.

My gap year was..

Experience ★★★★★
Jeju is within the country, but there are surprisingly many differences from the mainland, so you can have new experiences.

Learning★★★★☆
Working at a guesthouse—meeting new people, traveling, making friends, and having conversations—can change your thinking a lot and teach you many things.

Environment★★★★☆
Since you live with host families, it can be unpleasant if you don''t like children.

Safety★★☆☆☆
Many areas on the outskirts of Jeju Island are remote, and since there are few people around at night, it''s best not to go out after dark.

Leisure★★★★☆

You can travel extensively and enjoy yourself during the program.

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