Beyond the Classroom: Lessons Learned during my Gap Year

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The decision to take a gap year is a formidable one. There are just so many things to consider and you don’t want to make the wrong decision – after all, it’s a whole year! A year unscripted by the familiar rhythms of school or university schedules. It’s a challenge, but it’s also a year brimming with potential and self-discovery.

While there were many reasons why I chose to take a gap year, the most crucial one was my desire for personal growth and an aspiration to become more independent so that I could make the most out of my university experience. In the hustle and bustle of school life, it’s easy to overlook self-growth. I realized that before committing another 4 years of my life to academia, I needed a breather. This gap year became a space for me to explore, learn, and simply be. Now, halfway through my first semester at college, I’ve come to realize that taking a gap year was absolutely the right decision to make!

Some of my favorite things I did during my gap year:

    1. One of the first things I did during my gap year was an internship with my gynecologist. I’ve always been really interested in the field of Women’s Health and Reproduction and felt like this internship would be the perfect opportunity to learn more and have my myriad of questions answered. Even though I didn’t intend for this to happen, I actually ended up witnessing a childbirth! It was NOT a pretty sight and I almost ended up fainting (so unlike me!) but it was really cool to know I just witnessed the start of a new life!
    2. I spent a month at a Yoga Retreat in India and earned a Yoga Teacher Training Certificate. This was a truly transformative experience for me and through the process, I met the most amazing people! I lived on an island in Goa (a state in India) with 21 other students, most of them from other countries (Sweden, France, Australia, Russia, Germany, and the USA to name a few) and I was actually the youngest of the group! Despite the age range spanning from 26-72, I never really felt like an outlier. Through our shared passion for Yoga, we forged deep connections and engaged in profoundly inspiring conversations, leaving the institute not only wiser but also with a network of individuals all over the world. This is what my typical day would look like at the Institute: We would begin our day at 6am and do Jal Neti (yogic nasal cleaning technique) followed by an hour of meditation or Karma Yoga (doing good deeds, such as cutting vegetables or gathering fallen leaves, without expecting anything in return). After breakfast, we’d have theory classes followed by a strenuous 1-and-a-half-hour Asana (Yoga Poses) class. We’d have more theory classes and another Asana class throughout the day and we’d end the day with a light, Sattvic (made from produce that makes you feel good) dinner. The weekends were a blast – we’d hop on the ferry to my favorite cafe to eat some Pastéis de Nata and then go to the beach and soak up the sun! One of the weekends, we even attended a concert and joined in the Annual parade!
    3. I traveled a lot towards the end of my gap year. After taking a lot of tests and working on my college application, I was finally done with all my work and could dedicate the rest of my gap year to traveling and seeing the world. While I traveled to Singapore and a lot of cities in India, the country that stood out for me was Bali. Bali is truly something else! It is a spiritual haven where I found a deep sense of peace and tranquility. The people of Bali are really just the nicest and I was showered with compliments everywhere I went! My last day in Bali was during Nyepi, which is a Balinese Hindu holiday known as the “Day of Silence”. The idea behind Nyepi is that the people of Bali have a parade a day before with amazing lights and sounds and then practice complete silence on Nyepi day to confuse any malevolent spirits that might be present, causing the spirits to believe that the island is uninhabited. In this way, the Balinese people believe they can protect themselves from harm and pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous year ahead. On a personal level, people refrain from engaging in any form of entertainment and fast all day for spiritual renewal and harmony. Even the lights cannot be turned on! I, too, practiced Nyepi on my last day in Bali, however, I did end up eating dinner because it was my last day and I really wanted to have Nasi Goreng (Balinese fried rice) one last time. I really hope to return to Bali once again and give Nyepi a real try!

    Looking at myself, I don’t feel like I’ve changed that much at all. But as I sit here writing this essay and thinking about the past year and a half, it hits me – I’ve had more “first times” during my gap year than I did the 4 years in high school. It truly excites me for what the future holds next!

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Balancing Screen Time with Real-World Connections: Nurturing Face-to-Face Interactions

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As I settled into my seat on the Cambus, en route to my next class, I couldn’t help but notice the scene around me – a total of 12 students, each one glued to their phones, their attention seemingly tethered to the screens. Not a single one looked up or glanced outside, lost in their digital worlds.

Later, at lunch, I sat down next to my friend at our usual spot. His fingers danced across the screen, engrossed in a game, oblivious to the words I was about to share.

Over the weekend, as I gathered with my new girlfriends for dinner, a sense of anticipation filled the air. We had all recently connected, forming a bond that held so much promise. Yet, as the evening unfolded, I couldn’t help but notice the constant dance of screens as they’d ceaselessly retrieve their phones to send random snippets of their lives to others, seemingly disconnected from the moment we were in. And I know they’d do the same thing to the person they were “snapping” if they were to hang out with them.

In this era of constant connectivity, it’s easy to get lost in our digital worlds, often at the expense of the tangible connections right in front of us. The art of nurturing face-to-face interactions seems to be fading amidst the allure of screens and virtual connections.

As I got off the bus, I pondered on the significance of striking a balance between screen time and genuine human connections. It’s not about shunning technology, but rather, finding harmony in its use. The bus ride, after all, is an opportunity for conversations, shared observations, and new connections beyond the ones on your phone.

At lunch, I nudge my friend back to the real world. The glimmer of recognition in his eyes was a small victory. We ended up having a great conversation and a couple good laughs over lunch. It was a reminder that sometimes, breaking the digital trance can lead to more meaningful exchanges and an opportunity to create new memories. After all, the game could be played any other time.

Over the weekend, my friends and I came up with a game of “whoever picks up their phone first loses”. It’s a classic and it works for a reason! We shared stories, dreams, and laughter. It was a beautiful reminder of the richness that comes from being fully present with one another. Yet, the occasional hand movement towards the phones served as a stark reminder of the challenge we face in maintaining genuine connections in this digital age.

As I reflect on these moments, it’s clear that finding this balance is a personal journey for each of us. It requires mindfulness, an awareness of when to unplug and engage, and an understanding of the unique value that real-world connections bring to our lives. I’m on this journey too; I deleted Snapchat 3 years ago and have never looked back since. This week, I’ll try not to reach out for my phone to fill out silences (it’s rude to the person with you!) and combat boredom. I encourage you to join me on this challenge and come up with your own goals. Let’s savor the moment without the constant pull of screens – look around you! The subtle play of light, the small gestures, the fleeting expressions – they all hold a beauty that often goes unnoticed in the digital shuffle. The richness in the ordinary is waiting to be discovered!

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Words of Wisdom: Navigating University Life Through Quotes

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In the crucible of trials and tribulations, there exists a constellation of quotes that have become more than mere words; they are mantras, guiding me through this adventure called university. While some of these are awfully clichéd, their enduring relevance is a testament to their universal appeal.

  1. Every cloud has a silver lining: When I found out I was to live in Mayflower, I was beyond disheartened. However, I’m so glad I ended up here. Beyond the obvious perks like a private bathroom and kitchen, what truly sets Mayflower apart is its people. With just over 1,000 residents, I’ve forged meaningful connections and friendships, especially during the challenges of On Iowa! Back when the Cambuses weren’t in service, we’d embark on a 30-minute walk to reach the main campus. Surprisingly, it was during those walks that I made some of the most unexpected and cherished connections.
  2. Take it one day at a time: When assignments line up or future worries loom, try to take things one day at a time so as to not overwhelm yourself. You don’t need to worry about everything at the same time. Make a list of things you need to do just today, meditate (I like to do a 5-minute candle gazing meditation on YouTube), and focus your attention on the tasks on hand. If the assignment’s too big, you don’t have to do it all in one day. In fact, it might be better to break it down into multiple days for better learning. After completing your tasks, jot down any lingering thoughts and call it a day. Approach this list the next day with a refreshed mindset.
  3. Live in the moment: Piggy-backing off of the last quote, don’t worry about all the assignments that are due when you’re out with friends or engaging in activities beyond studying. It’s important to socialize to prevent burnout and develop a well-rounded personality. It’s crucial to cherish the now, because before you know it, those four years will have flown by, and you’ll want to look back without regrets.
  4. We cannot become what we want, by remaining what we are: This has been THE mantra for me. It’s so important to keep working on yourself and getting out of your comfort zone. It can be the smallest of deliberate leaps, as long as it’s something different and it’s a step towards what you want to become. Each tiny move forward is a stride towards the person you aspire to be.
  5. If you love life, life will love you back: If you approach college life with a negative attitude, you’ll attract more of it and end up in a vicious cycle of negativity. It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy, where bad vibes attract bad situations. On the flip side, if you see the bright side of things, it can lead to a more enjoyable ride. It’s all about the mindset you bring to the table!
  6. C’est la vie!: That’s life! Whenever something goes awry, just remember it’s all part of the wild ride called college.
  7. Qué será será!: This Spanish phrase translates to Whatever will be, will be! Focus your energy where it matters most, and find peace in accepting the rest.
  8. If you see something beautiful in someone, say it: Everyone likes receiving a compliment so don’t shy away from giving them out. You never know what someone may be going through or what they’re insecure about; you have what it takes to make someone’s day.
  9. It’s always darkest before dawn: This is just the perfect boost needed to get through the tough days – the knowledge that what happens next will be better.
  10. Do it for the plot: Inspired by TikTok, this is a fun one! Be a little spontaneous and say “Yes!” to unexpected, unplanned opportunities that come up. I’ve always noticed how the spur-of-the-moment excursions end up being the most fun and memorable ones. Now is the perfect moment to embrace that free-spirited energy and weave some amazing stories.

So, there you have it – these 10 quotes? They’re like your secret weapons for tackling any curveballs college throws your way. So go on, face those challenges with these mantras in your pocket, and watch how they light the way!

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How to romanticize your college life

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You’re finally here – ready to embrace the life you’ve been dreaming of for years. Amidst the hustle and bustle of your hectic college lifestyle (you asked for it!), there exists a hidden enchantment waiting to be discovered. Each day of your life holds the potential for small moments of magic that sum up a beautiful life. I believe there’s an understated elegance in the simplicity of the ordinary moments of life, and in this exploration, we’ll uncover the art of infusing romance into your daily life.

  1. Morning Mindfulness and Reflection: begin your day with yoga or a few minutes of meditation or journaling to set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
  2. Buy yourself some flowers: whether it’s a single stem or a lavish arrangement, let those blooms be a daily reminder that you deserve a touch of nature’s elegance in your life.
  3. Dress cute and go to the Farmer’s market every Saturday: the sight of sun-kissed produce and the friendly farmers along with the lively backdrop of live music and yoga classes truly makes my day.
  4. On weekends, indulge in the relaxing atmosphere of your cherished cafe during the morning hours: order your favorite drink (mine’s matcha latte), cue up some good tunes, and get to work before meeting up with friends! Remember to take occasional breaks to enjoy the lively surroundings and soak in the good vibes.
  5. Dedicate an hour each week to self-care: put on a face mask and listen to your favorite self-care podcast. My favorites are Oddvice, Date Yourself Instead, and Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain.
  6. Go grocery shopping: I personally find it so much fun to go grocery shopping; it’s almost like a mini-adventure right in the heart of everyday life (or maybe that’s just the shopaholic in me speaking!)
  7. Cook a special dinner: shout-out to the folks who live in Mayflower and Parklawn, you guys have your own kitchen! Take advantage of it by playing some groovy music and cooking up a meal for yourself and your roommates.
  8. Stargazing nights: all you have to do is find a comfy spot, look up, and let the stars do the talking. Bonus points for taking your friends with you.
  9. Dance like nobody’s watching: play your favorite songs and get an impromptu dance party going with your roommates. My roommates and I absolutely love dancing to Dancing Queen. Disclaimer: don’t be too loud and disturb your floor mates!
  10. Gratitude Journal: end your day by listing 5 things you were grateful for. Challenge yourself by trying not to repeat your gratitude points from previous days and you’ll be surprised how creative you can get.

Remember, it’s the little things that can add a touch of magic to your daily life. Here’s to a college journey filled with moments worth cherishing and a life that radiates with its own special kind of romance.

And, if you end up trying any of my suggestions, please let me know how it went for you!

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