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#Life became more colorful; formation of values #Discovered hobbies; connection with others #Took time to reflect on myself
The gap year gave me, above all, plenty of time to think and helped me live energetically again.The 10 weeks in Paris were truly like a dream and an invaluable experience I wouldn''t trade for anything.I am grateful to the gap year program and the guesthouse owner for giving me this opportunity.
- Paris Gap Year Stay / Kang Hee-yeon — gap-year family gapper / 8-week gap year |
# I had always lived life impatiently, and I felt empty as if nothing had really remained for me.
I didn''t board the plane to Paris to gain anything specific. At some point, the rules of a boxed-in life began to feel monotonous,I wanted to make my thoughts and life more colorful. Above all, I felt I needed my own set of values and philosophy for living.
So I became interested in taking a gap year and decided to spend time for myself before graduating.
As graduation approached, I wanted to give myself time, so I applied.I had always lived life impatiently, and I felt empty as if nothing had really remained for me.During the gap year I wanted to envision my future, reflect on and enjoy different values in life, and feel richer emotions.
My gap-year goal was to find my own hobby and, while enjoying it,learn how to connect with others.
# Each one delivered a fresh jolt of excitement and fun.
The 10 weeks in Paris were spent in a city where I could truly focus on myself, so I had ample time to think about how I want to live going forward. First of all, Paris was an incredible place to enjoy culture.Even if I visited exhibitions every day, there were still many more to see, and each one delivered a fresh thrill and pleasure.
To see exhibitions in Paris, I first studied each artist, chose two works I liked the most and thought about why I liked them, and I appreciated being able to apply what I learned from the works and the artists'' lives to my own.
A particularly memorable artist wasToulouse-LautrecI had liked him before, but as I studied his life and more of his works, I began to understand him better and grew to like him more. He was born into an aristocratic family in southern France but became disabled due to an accident in childhood.
Although he came from an aristocratic background, he didn''t paint only beautiful things; he made prostitutes the subjects of his paintings, looking warmly on their tragic lives and expressing that on canvas. He showed that art is not something only a certain class can enjoy — anyone can create and enjoy art — which made me resolve to practice breaking my own preconceptions.
Also, by looking at contemporary art I was able to learn how to think differently from others — in other words, how to differentiate myself.
# I was lucky to work as staff in a place where I could meet various people, like at a Korean guesthouse.
Through the gap year I met many different people and was glad to become good friends with them. Nari (unnie), Jinkyung, Euli, Yuran, and Minjeong, who worked with me as staff, all helped me learn a lot while we lived together. The memories I made with them will be unforgettable.
Among them, Yuran, who was a tour staff member, was two years younger than me but more mature and thoughtful. Whenever I had worries she listened to mine and empathized as if they were her own. Because of Yuran''s kind attitude, other guests were satisfied with the tours and praised her a lot. Yuran created a comfortable atmosphere that let people rest easily at the guesthouse; she was truly a great staff member. I felt rewarded to have met someone I want to keep in touch with even after returning to Korea.
AndI was fortunate to work as a staff member in a space like a Korean guesthouse where I could meet many different people.There were people of various ages and professions, so having interesting conversations on a new topic every day will be remembered as a precious experience.
The people I met there gave me a lot of courage when I was tired of life and generously shared life advice.Some people drew my portrait, and others wrote poems thinking of me. I received so much love from the guests that it felt like a dream.
Also, at first I made many mistakes while learning the staff role and was often scolded, but thanks to the owner and the auntie who always took care of me and encouraged me until the end, I was able to get through the ten weeks well. Although the owner seemed blunt at first glance, after experiencing him I felt he cared about all the staff and genuinely worried about us. I want to express my thanks to both of them once again.
I had always thought about wanting to live in Paris. I wanted to learn the French way of taking life easy and was curious about how French people approach life. Before participating in the gap year program, I thought that because France is a country with its own culture, the French would have their own distinct atmosphere, butafter participating in the gap year, I realized that they are people just like us.
I thought that while any environment can have an influence, human universals are the same. Although there may be some differences in values compared to Koreans, I recognized the same images of fathers and mothers trying to make a living,young people endlessly worrying about their future as they jump into the job market with dreams, and cheerful, bright children — I learned that it''s all the same human life.
Before I seriously prepared for employment, I had many worries when choosing to take a gap year before graduation. I wondered whether it was irresponsible to go on a gap year in my situation, whether I would be wasting time, or whether I would fall behind others, and so on. With all those complicated thoughts, I left for my gap year.
But looking back now, it seems there was no reason to worry. It was truly an opportunity and a learning experience I wouldn''t trade for anything.Ten weeks in another country — in this case Paris, France — were like a gem.
As time passes and I look back on my life, it will shine more brightly than ever. Free from rules or others'' gazes, I thought freely, planned as I wished, and spent my time, learning and realizing many things.In the end, I realized that everything originates from my choices and that how I interpret things is important.
The gap year gave me above all a lot of time to think and helped me live energetically again.The 10 weeks in Paris felt like a dream and were an invaluable experience I wouldn''t trade for anything.I am grateful to the gap year program and the guesthouse owner for providing this opportunity.
My gap year is
Experience★★★★★
It''s an opportunity to take a step back and look at my life from a distance.
Learning★★★★★
Before taking my first step into society, I learned how to communicate with people and how to use my time well.
Environment★★★★☆
Generally satisfied; it would be better if the accommodation used by the staff were warmer.
Safety★★★★★
During my gap year there were Christmas and New Year; the owner warned us in advance about the risk of terrorism, so there was nothing dangerous.
Leisure★★★★★
If you''re proactive, you can fully enjoy your free time.
