The beauty of the gap year

When I graduated high school I had no idea what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Jumping into a four-year university or college program felt wildly overwhelming. That is when I got the idea of taking a gap year. I started doing some research, and before I knew it I was applying for my working holiday visa in Australia. I decided that the best way for me to experience Australia would be to work as an au pair. 

 

I spent a total of nine months in Australia, and one month in New Zealand. Taking this leap of faith was by far the best thing I have ever done, and I highly recommend it to anyone in a similar situation. 

Here are a few things I learned from my gap year:

Get out of your comfort zone! Your life will change in amazing ways once you push yourself out of your comfort zone. You will learn new things about yourself, create the best memories, and get to experience things you otherwise wouldn't have. 

Talk to strangers. If you ever find yourself traveling alone, you can get pretty bored and eager for interaction. To your delight, many other travellers are in the same position and would love to hear your story and get to know you. You will gain amazing social skills, and can build a global network of friends.

Live simply. When travelling you are usually on a budget, and forced to pack light. You will sometimes be staying in cheap hostels, eating cheap food, and won't always be able to afford the things you want. As a result, you come home and realize you don't need much in order to live a good, happy life. 

Confidence. Travelling far away, alone, at a young age is a huge feat. After overcoming all of your struggles, uncertainty, and fear you will discover a new level of self-confidence. No obstacle will seem too big. 

Whether it's a trip around the world, a weekend escape, or simply venturing into a new neighborhood, you will thank yourself for leaving the confines of your day to day life. What will your next adventure be?